Thousands protest in Poland against migrant relocation rules

On May 10, around 15,000 people gathered in central Warsaw, Poland for the "March Against Immigration", a mass protest organised by the nationalist Border Protection Movement, reflecting mounting opposition to EU migrant relocation policies across Central and Eastern Europe. 

The march began at midday at the Roman Dmowski Roundabout, a symbolic location named after the early 20th-century Polish nationalist figure, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

Following speeches by organisers and right-wing politicians, demonstrators marched toward the office of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. 

Participants carried Polish flags and banners bearing slogans such as “No to Immigration” and “Stop Relocation.” Among those in attendance were members of the far-right Confederation alliance and politicians from the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), notably former Minister of Culture Przemysław Czarnek. 

Their presence highlighted the political dimensions of the protest amid rising nationalist sentiment in the country. Speaking at the rally, organiser Robert Bąkiewicz accused Prime Minister Tusk of failing to protect Poland’s sovereignty and of being complicit in German-led efforts to relocate illegal migrants into the country. He threatened potential action at the Polish-German border, suggesting a blockade if the government does not change course. 

Protesters also voiced historical grievances, with some chants demanding war reparations from Germany for damages incurred during the Nazi occupation in World War II — a recurring issue in Polish nationalist discourse.

By Naila Huseynova