Anti-immigration demonstration in downtown Warsaw, Poland, on July 19, 2025.
Published July 21, 2025
Mass Protests Across 80+ Polish Cities
Coordinated anti‑immigration rallies—organized by the far‑right Confederation Liberty and Independence party—took place in over 80 cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, Wrocław, and Białystok. Protesters demanded border closures with Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Slovakia, and some echoed extremist demands such as allowing soldiers to use force against illegal border crossers.
Clashes occurred between demonstrators and counter‑protesters advocating asylum rights and anti‑racism, resulting in police intervention in multiple cities.
Political Context & Far‑Right Influence
These demonstrations followed Poland’s reinstatement of border checks with Germany and Lithuania beginning July 6, 2025, as the Tusk government sought to manage migration tensions within the EU’s Schengen zone. The government deployed police and soldiers to dozens of crossings in response to domestic pressure and Germany’s own tightened border regime.
Far‑right movements, such as Robert Bąkiewicz’s Border Defence Movement (BDM), have stepped up citizen patrols at borders alongside political rallies. Bąkiewicz was recently pardoned and continues to push a nationalist agenda backed by public support: one poll showed 54% of Poles favor the BDM’s activities.
Shift in Public Sentiment & Political Stakes
Nationwide polls from early 2025 show around 75% of Poles oppose immigration, reflecting strong public skepticism towards migration regardless of demographic divisions. The issue became central in the May 2025 presidential election, where far‑right candidates like Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun performed well on anti‑immigration platforms.
Recently elected President Karol Nawrocki assumed office in August 2025 and is expected to push harder on immigration policy. His victory signals potential conflicts with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition over EU integration and border strategy.
Anti-immigration protest in Poland – source X social media.
📌 Resulting Effects of Poland’s <ass Anti-Immigration Protests
1. Political Shift to the Right
-
Boost for Far-Right Parties: The nationwide protests significantly strengthened the visibility and influence of the Confederation Party and nationalist groups like the Border Defence Movement (BDM), pushing mainstream parties to adopt tougher stances on migration.
-
Presidential Mandate: Newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, backed by nationalist groups, interpreted the protests as a public endorsement of stricter immigration and border policies.
2. Policy and Border Enforcement Changes
-
Border Closures and Checks: Poland reimposed internal border checks with Germany and Lithuania (since July 6), deploying police and military to reinforce crossings, citing security and “illegal migration” concerns.
-
Tighter Asylum Procedures: Discussions are underway in the Polish parliament to limit asylum claims, accelerate deportations, and potentially ban NGOs that aid migrants at the border.
3. International and EU Tensions
-
Strain on EU Relations: Poland’s border moves and anti-migrant rhetoric risk violating Schengen Agreement norms. The EU Commission is reportedly preparing a legal challenge if Warsaw refuses to comply with EU asylum and border laws.
-
Friction with Ukraine and Germany: Neighboring states, especially Germany, criticized Poland’s actions, while Poland accused Germany of allowing migrants to enter and “exporting” the problem eastward.
4. Social Polarization and Public Clashes
-
Violent Confrontations: The protests led to clashes between nationalist groups and pro-refugee activists. In several cities (Warsaw, Wrocław), police were forced to intervene, and arrests were made.
-
Rise in Xenophobia: Ukrainians, Middle Easterners, and Africans in Poland reported increased verbal abuse, discrimination, and in some cases, physical assault, according to watchdog groups.
5. Media and Narrative Impact
-
Spread of Disinformation: Both Polish-language and English-language media linked migration to crime and instability. False or exaggerated claims about migrants’ behavior were circulated, often by protest organizers.
-
Global Attention: The scale of the protests, especially the coordinated nature across 80+ cities, drew global media attention, reinforcing the image of Poland as Europe’s most anti-immigration state.
6. Civic Mobilization on Both Sides
-
Empowered Far-Right Groups: Activist groups like the BDM saw a surge in volunteer recruitment and funding, emboldening their efforts to patrol borders and push their agenda.
-
Counter-Mobilization: Human rights groups and church-led charities are also increasing public engagement, though they face intimidation and reduced access in migrant-heavy areas.
Bottom Line:
The widespread anti-immigration protests that erupted across over 80 Polish cities in July 2025 mark a significant turning point in Poland’s domestic and geopolitical trajectory. What began as a grassroots mobilization quickly evolved into a powerful national statement against mass migration, fueled by growing public discontent, nationalist sentiment, and fears of cultural and economic displacement. These demonstrations not only intensified political pressure on the Tusk government but also empowered far-right factions and directly influenced the election of a hardline president, Karol Nawrocki.
As a result, Poland is now moving toward a more restrictive immigration policy, tighter border controls, and a confrontational stance within the European Union. The protests also revealed deep societal divisions—between those calling for national preservation and those defending humanitarian values—making future clashes likely. Whether this wave of populism will lead to long-term structural changes or further polarize the country remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: immigration has become the defining political issue in Poland’s evolving identity on the European stage.
