Polish President Karol Nawrocki attended the nationalist Independence Day procession in Warsaw as Prime Minister Donald Tusk appealed for restraint and unity. Thousands carrying national flags gathered for the anniversary of restored independence. The celebration took place amid divisions between the conservative-nationalist president’s political camp and the centrist government.
Poland marked independence day on Wednesday with a nationalist procession through Warsaw, the country’s capital.[1], [2]
President Karol Nawrocki joined the march as participants carried Polish flags through streets secured by police. Tens of thousands gathered for the annual celebration, which commemorates the restoration of independence after the country’s partition between Russia, Prussia and Austria.[1]
The conservative-nationalist president argued that political elites had no right to govern against the nation’s will, directing his criticism at the centrist government. Nawrocki had attended the procession previously both in an official capacity and as a private citizen. The march has long generated tension between right-wing groups and the governing centre. Supporters describe participation as an expression of national pride, while critics point to antisemitic and anti-immigration rhetoric.[1]
Prime Minister Donald Tusk attended a separate ceremony outside Warsaw and appealed for restraint amid political divisions. He described independence, freedom and a secure republic as shared goods despite political rivalry and differing views. Organisers of the Warsaw march expected high turnout, with members of Spain’s Vox-linked youth movement Revuelta and Hungary’s far-right Mi Hazank party also expected to attend.[1]
