The annual Independence March, organized by the nationalist Independence March Association since 2011, passed through Warsaw under the slogan "The Power of Great Poland is Us." Politicians from Law and Justice (PiS) and Confederation took part in the event. According to the police, the march proceeded peacefully overall, though authorities seized a large number of pyrotechnic materials, which were prohibited this year. Counter-protests also took place, such as "For Our Freedom and Yours!" and "Anti-Fascism Without Borders," organized by the Anti-Fascist Coalition.
The march began at 2 p.m. at Rondo Dmowskiego, a major roundabout in central Warsaw, with the lighting of flares following the recitation of the rosary. At around 2:30 p.m., participants moved from the roundabout, forming a white-and-red procession that crossed the Poniatowski Bridge, eventually arriving at the National Stadium grounds.
Who participated?
Marchers carried Polish flags and donned hats, scarves, and wreaths in national colors. Many wore traditional pins, badges, and red-and-white armbands. Among the crowd were prominent politicians, including Law and Justice leader Jarosław Kaczyński, former Culture Minister Piotr Gliński, and Confederation leader Krzysztof Bosak.
Photos from the march were shared on social media by right-wing politicians Przemysław Czarnek, Maciej Wąsik, Mariusz Kamiński, and Patryk Jaki.
Banned items seized, EU flag burned
Marzena Gawkowska, deputy spokesperson for the Warsaw City Hall, reported just before 5 p.m. that the march had been peaceful, with no major incidents, though pyrotechnics were in use.
The police detained dozens of individuals before 2 p.m. Among the confiscated items were pyrotechnics, knives, expandable batons, and brass knuckles, said Warsaw Police spokesperson Robert Szumiata. During the march, a European Union flag was also burned.
Counter-protests
Meanwhile, a counter-protest organized by the Anti-Fascist Coalition, under the slogans "For Our Freedom and Yours!" and "Anti-Fascism Without Borders," took place in other part of the city. "As we do every year, we are offering an alternative that is inclusive and without borders. We’re celebrating and reclaiming a part of the city from nationalists in the name of freedom, equality, and mutual aid," the organizers stated.
Participants gathered at Plac Unii Lubelskiej with banners reading slogans such as "Refugees Welcome, No to Racism" and "Fascists Off Our Streets." Szumiata confirmed that the counter-protest was peaceful.
Attendance figures
The march concluded after 5 p.m., with Warsaw City Hall estimating a turnout of around 90,000 participants. Organizers had anticipated at least 100,000 attendees, while last year's attendance was significantly lower at approximately 40,000.
The event has become an annual fixture, marking Poland’s Independence Day.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, tvnwarszawa.pl, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: PAP