Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poland. Show all posts
Friday, July 12, 2024
Poland Urges EU to Spend on Eastern Border Defense
Tuesday, July 02, 2024
Germany, Poland Discuss Defense Cooperation and a Bigger NATO Presence on Eastern Flank | DW News
Saturday, June 01, 2024
Michael Lambert: "Polish Economy Soon to Overtake the UK?"
Jun 1, 2024 | “Last week I visited Lodz in Poland, a city with a population of over 600,000. A former centre for the textile industry, it is now a mixed economy. Lódź is a beautiful city with many outstanding buildings and landmarks. The main street Piotrkowska is full of bars and restaurants. The city is very green with many trees and small parks. Manufaktura is a huge new development of shops, restaurants, and cafés.
The economy of Poland seems to be proceeding very well and I found almost everyone to be positive and patriotic. The people met were all extremely friendly and helpful.”
Britain is well on its way to becoming the backwater of Europe. Most EU countries have overtaken us long ago, and those that haven’t yet, soon will. Poland is clearly one of them. Poland seems to be such a delightful country; the UK, by contrast, looks drab and shabby. It is so sad that so many of the British electorate allowed themselves to be led up the garden path by chancers. – © Mark Alexander
The economy of Poland seems to be proceeding very well and I found almost everyone to be positive and patriotic. The people met were all extremely friendly and helpful.”
Britain is well on its way to becoming the backwater of Europe. Most EU countries have overtaken us long ago, and those that haven’t yet, soon will. Poland is clearly one of them. Poland seems to be such a delightful country; the UK, by contrast, looks drab and shabby. It is so sad that so many of the British electorate allowed themselves to be led up the garden path by chancers. – © Mark Alexander
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Poland Is Again Threatened by a Tyrant. This Time, Europe Must Not Look Away
THE OBSERVER: Donald Tusk needs to convince European leaders to act to deter Vladimir Putin from further aggression
Recent panicky talk of a third world war seems a tad overblown. Yet the specific threat posed by Russia’s aggressive, revisionist regime to eastern Europe is real and growing. As in the past, Poland is on the frontline of a battle for Ukraine that could easily spread. Scrambling to shore up defences, the UK and European Nato states must decide: is this 1920 or 1939?
As all Poles know, the Battle of Warsaw, 104 years ago this August, ended in Marshal Józef Piłsudski’s famous victory over the invading Red Army, which secured their country’s independence. They called it the “Miracle on the Vistula”, after the river linking Poland’s main cities. Vladimir Lenin lamented an “enormous defeat” for Bolshevik revolutionary ambitions in Europe.
September 1939 is remembered for the opposite reasons. Another totalitarian monster, Nazi Germany, was hammering on the door. Poles believed France and Britain would come to the rescue if they were attacked. But when Hitler invaded, an effective allied military response failed to materialise. Poland fell to fascism. Unspeakable horrors ensued. Poland recalls this two-part history, even if many in Europe do not, and has learned the lessons. It has doubled its armed forces in the past decade. Nato’s largest European land army will be equipped with the latest US-made battle tanks and missiles. And since Russia’s invasion two years ago this month, Poland has vigorously supported Ukraine. » | Simon Tisdall | Saturday, February 17, 2024
Recent panicky talk of a third world war seems a tad overblown. Yet the specific threat posed by Russia’s aggressive, revisionist regime to eastern Europe is real and growing. As in the past, Poland is on the frontline of a battle for Ukraine that could easily spread. Scrambling to shore up defences, the UK and European Nato states must decide: is this 1920 or 1939?
As all Poles know, the Battle of Warsaw, 104 years ago this August, ended in Marshal Józef Piłsudski’s famous victory over the invading Red Army, which secured their country’s independence. They called it the “Miracle on the Vistula”, after the river linking Poland’s main cities. Vladimir Lenin lamented an “enormous defeat” for Bolshevik revolutionary ambitions in Europe.
September 1939 is remembered for the opposite reasons. Another totalitarian monster, Nazi Germany, was hammering on the door. Poles believed France and Britain would come to the rescue if they were attacked. But when Hitler invaded, an effective allied military response failed to materialise. Poland fell to fascism. Unspeakable horrors ensued. Poland recalls this two-part history, even if many in Europe do not, and has learned the lessons. It has doubled its armed forces in the past decade. Nato’s largest European land army will be equipped with the latest US-made battle tanks and missiles. And since Russia’s invasion two years ago this month, Poland has vigorously supported Ukraine. » | Simon Tisdall | Saturday, February 17, 2024
Thursday, February 08, 2024
'Shame on You': Polish Prime Minister Hits Out at US Republicans
THE GUARDIAN: Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has issued a sharp public rebuke to American Republicans.
In a post on social media this morning, the centre-right politician said:
“Dear Republican Senators of America. Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us to win back our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today. Shame on you.” » | Lili Bayer in Brussels | Thursday, February 8, 2024
In a post on social media this morning, the centre-right politician said:
“Dear Republican Senators of America. Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us to win back our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today. Shame on you.” » | Lili Bayer in Brussels | Thursday, February 8, 2024
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
The Instability of American Politics Can't Be Ignored (with Anne Applebaum) | The Bulwark Podcast
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Can the New Polish Prime Minister Ease Strained Relations with Germany? | DW News
Dec 12, 2023 | Poland's new parliament elected centrist party leader Donald Tusk as prime minister on Monday. Tusk becomes prime minister nearly two months after national elections won by a coalition of parties ranging from left-wing to moderately conservative.
The alliance of pro-EU parties signed an agreement last month, paving the way for a coalition government. Earlier on Monday, the parliament rejected the proposed conservative government of acting Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a widely expected outcome that paved the way for the rival alliance to form the next government.
Only 190 deputies voted in favor of the Morawiecki government, while 266 voted against it and there were no abstentions. Morawiecki's Law and Justice (PiS) party lost its majority but retained its status as the largest single party in October's elections.
Morawiecki's failure opens the door for former Polish Prime Minister and former European Council President Donald Tusk. Tusk led a broad pro-EU opposition coalition in a bid to unseat PiS after two terms in power.
This is indeed welcome news! Donald Tusk is a good man. He will be good for Poland and good for the EU. This is like a breath of fresh air. A favourable wind is blowing from the east, at last. – © Mark Alexander
The alliance of pro-EU parties signed an agreement last month, paving the way for a coalition government. Earlier on Monday, the parliament rejected the proposed conservative government of acting Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a widely expected outcome that paved the way for the rival alliance to form the next government.
Only 190 deputies voted in favor of the Morawiecki government, while 266 voted against it and there were no abstentions. Morawiecki's Law and Justice (PiS) party lost its majority but retained its status as the largest single party in October's elections.
Morawiecki's failure opens the door for former Polish Prime Minister and former European Council President Donald Tusk. Tusk led a broad pro-EU opposition coalition in a bid to unseat PiS after two terms in power.
This is indeed welcome news! Donald Tusk is a good man. He will be good for Poland and good for the EU. This is like a breath of fresh air. A favourable wind is blowing from the east, at last. – © Mark Alexander
Wednesday, November 01, 2023
‘Nightmare Is Over’: Polish Election Result Brings Relief for LGBTQ+ People
GUARDIAN EUROPE: Community looks tentatively to future as party that sought to demonise them is unlikely to retain power
Bart Staszewski, a film-maker and activist, wants better legislative protections for LGBTQ+ people in Poland. Photograph: Przemysław Stefaniak/AP
For the past eight years, fear and anxiety has threaded through much of Bart Staszewski’s daily life. As a gay man living in Poland, he found himself increasingly under attack by a government that had sought to depict the LGBTQ+ community as a threat to the nation and its children, fuelling prejudices and hate crimes across the country.
But since last month’s election pointed to a possible route to power for opposition parties, Staszewski has been gripped by a wave of relief. “It’s like I’m breathing fresh air for the first time in eight years,” he said. “After years of hate against people like me, the nightmare is over.”
While the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) emerged from the election with the biggest share of the vote, there is no clear path for the rightwing populists to form a majority. The country could instead be governed by a coalition made up of the Civic Coalition, led by Donald Tusk, the centre-right Third Way and the leftist Lewica. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent | Wednesday, November 2023
In Poland, the home of ‘LGBT-free zones’, there is hope at last for the queer community: The former ruling party targeted and scapegoated Poland’s LGBTQ+ people. Now it’s out of power, equality is within reach »
It gladdens the heart to see that benighted politicians in Poland are being/have been thrown out of office by politicians with enlightened values and ideas. My congratulations to the people of Poland on their significant victory. Sanity in politics has returned, It has been brought back by Donald Tusk's very hard work. Long live freedom in Poland; long live LGBTQ+ rights! – © Mark Alexander
MEANWHILE IN HUNGARY:
Hungary anti-LGBT law sees under-18s barred from World Press Photo exhibition: Prestigious show contains one set of images with LGBTQ+ theme, prompting a far-right lawmaker to file a complaint with the cultural ministry »
For the past eight years, fear and anxiety has threaded through much of Bart Staszewski’s daily life. As a gay man living in Poland, he found himself increasingly under attack by a government that had sought to depict the LGBTQ+ community as a threat to the nation and its children, fuelling prejudices and hate crimes across the country.
But since last month’s election pointed to a possible route to power for opposition parties, Staszewski has been gripped by a wave of relief. “It’s like I’m breathing fresh air for the first time in eight years,” he said. “After years of hate against people like me, the nightmare is over.”
While the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) emerged from the election with the biggest share of the vote, there is no clear path for the rightwing populists to form a majority. The country could instead be governed by a coalition made up of the Civic Coalition, led by Donald Tusk, the centre-right Third Way and the leftist Lewica. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent | Wednesday, November 2023
In Poland, the home of ‘LGBT-free zones’, there is hope at last for the queer community: The former ruling party targeted and scapegoated Poland’s LGBTQ+ people. Now it’s out of power, equality is within reach »
It gladdens the heart to see that benighted politicians in Poland are being/have been thrown out of office by politicians with enlightened values and ideas. My congratulations to the people of Poland on their significant victory. Sanity in politics has returned, It has been brought back by Donald Tusk's very hard work. Long live freedom in Poland; long live LGBTQ+ rights! – © Mark Alexander
MEANWHILE IN HUNGARY:
Hungary anti-LGBT law sees under-18s barred from World Press Photo exhibition: Prestigious show contains one set of images with LGBTQ+ theme, prompting a far-right lawmaker to file a complaint with the cultural ministry »
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Pope Accepts Resignation of Polish Bishop after Gay Orgy Scandal in Diocese
GUARDIAN EUROPE: Vatican did not say why Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning, but priest from his diocese faced criminal investigation
The pope has accepted the resignation of Polish bishop Grzegorz Kaszak as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, which has been under the spotlight following reports of a gay orgy. Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP
The pope has accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop whose diocese has been rocked by reports of a gay orgy involving a male sex worker in a priest’s apartment, as well as previous violent incidents involving his clergy.
The Vatican did not give a reason why Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, in south-western Poland. At 59, he is several years shy of the normal retirement age of 75.
But his diocese has been in the spotlight after one of his priests was placed under criminal investigation for having allegedly organised an orgy at his apartment in Dąbrowa Górnicza involving a male sex worker. Polish media reported that one of the participants of the sex party collapsed after overdosing on erectile dysfunction pills.
A prosecutor said the priest was suspected of “failing to provide assistance to a person whose life is at risk” for having allegedly tried to bar paramedics from entering the apartment. » | Associated Press in Rome | Tuesday, October 24, 2023
The pope has accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop whose diocese has been rocked by reports of a gay orgy involving a male sex worker in a priest’s apartment, as well as previous violent incidents involving his clergy.
The Vatican did not give a reason why Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, in south-western Poland. At 59, he is several years shy of the normal retirement age of 75.
But his diocese has been in the spotlight after one of his priests was placed under criminal investigation for having allegedly organised an orgy at his apartment in Dąbrowa Górnicza involving a male sex worker. Polish media reported that one of the participants of the sex party collapsed after overdosing on erectile dysfunction pills.
A prosecutor said the priest was suspected of “failing to provide assistance to a person whose life is at risk” for having allegedly tried to bar paramedics from entering the apartment. » | Associated Press in Rome | Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
The Guardian View on Poland’s Election: A Record Turnout Delivers a Landmark Result
GUARDIAN EUROPE – EDITORIAL: A mass mobilisation of voters appears to have ousted the radical right from power. That is good news for Polish democracy, and for Europe
Poland's main opposition leader, Donald Tusk, at an election rally in Pruszków, Poland, on 13 October 2023. Photograph: Petr David Josek/AP
Back in 2018, as Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) neared the end of its first term in office, its leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, told one newspaper that his radical right project had only just begun. “We are preparing a long march,” said Mr Kaczyński, “one needs, not two, but three terms.”
On Sunday, Poles turned out in extraordinary numbers determined to thwart that ambition, and they appear to have succeeded in remarkable fashion. Provisional results indicate that the highest election turnout since the fall of communism delivered a famous and unexpectedly clear victory for the opposition coalition of parties. Though PiS emerged once more as the largest electoral force, it lost its majority and seemingly has no viable route to constructing a new one. For Poland, and for the rest of Europe, this constitutes a hugely consequential result. For progressives, it is one to celebrate. » | Editorial | Monday, October 16, 2023
Fresh air has blown over Poland; hopefully, it will keep on blowing. Eastern Europe needs plenty more fresh air. Now, as a result of this great election result – a warm welcome back, Mr Tusk! – all of Europe will be able to breathe more easily again. The cobwebs are being blown away, slowly but surely. – © Mark Alexander
With Opposition Gains, Poland Looks to Unwind an ‘Illiberal Democracy’: With all of the votes counted, liberal parties have probably won by enough to assemble a new coalition. The governing party can still form its own, but the prospects look dim. »
Back in 2018, as Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) neared the end of its first term in office, its leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, told one newspaper that his radical right project had only just begun. “We are preparing a long march,” said Mr Kaczyński, “one needs, not two, but three terms.”
On Sunday, Poles turned out in extraordinary numbers determined to thwart that ambition, and they appear to have succeeded in remarkable fashion. Provisional results indicate that the highest election turnout since the fall of communism delivered a famous and unexpectedly clear victory for the opposition coalition of parties. Though PiS emerged once more as the largest electoral force, it lost its majority and seemingly has no viable route to constructing a new one. For Poland, and for the rest of Europe, this constitutes a hugely consequential result. For progressives, it is one to celebrate. » | Editorial | Monday, October 16, 2023
Fresh air has blown over Poland; hopefully, it will keep on blowing. Eastern Europe needs plenty more fresh air. Now, as a result of this great election result – a warm welcome back, Mr Tusk! – all of Europe will be able to breathe more easily again. The cobwebs are being blown away, slowly but surely. – © Mark Alexander
With Opposition Gains, Poland Looks to Unwind an ‘Illiberal Democracy’: With all of the votes counted, liberal parties have probably won by enough to assemble a new coalition. The governing party can still form its own, but the prospects look dim. »
Monday, October 16, 2023
Poland: Opposition Poised to Oust Ruling Nationalists | DW News
Related article here.
Poland election: Law and Justice party on course to be ousted from power: Former PM Donald Tusk hails ‘the end of evil times’ as early results suggest opposition parties will be able to form governing coalition »
Poland Exit Polls: Donald Tusk Claims Victory Based on Coalition Hopes
GUARDIAN EUROPE: Civic Coalition expected to have got fewer votes than ruling Law and Justice party but is likely to ally with other parties
Donald Tusk and supporters of the largest opposition grouping, Civic Coalition, react to exit polls. Photograph: Kacper Pempel/Reuters
Donald Tusk, the former Polish prime minister and European Council president, claimed victory in Poland’s parliamentary election on Sunday, making the announcement just minutes after the polls closed, based on the results of an exit poll.
The poll suggested the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party had won the most votes but appeared to show a route to government for a combined opposition coalition led by Tusk.
PiS, which has governed Poland for eight years, has turned public television into a propaganda arm of the government, restricted abortion rights and demonised LGBTQ+ people, migrants and refugees. It has also put Poland on a collision course with Brussels over rule of law issues, which has led to tens of billions of euros in European funding being frozen.
Tusk appeared on stage at the Civic Coalition election headquarters at Warsaw’s Ethnographical Museum to declare victory.
“It’s the end of the evil times, it’s the end of the PiS rule, we made it,” said Tusk, to cheers from assembled supporters. » | Shaun Walker in Warsaw | Sunday, October 15, 2023
Poland election: opposition claims win after strong exit poll result – as it happened »
Donald Tusk, the former Polish prime minister and European Council president, claimed victory in Poland’s parliamentary election on Sunday, making the announcement just minutes after the polls closed, based on the results of an exit poll.
The poll suggested the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party had won the most votes but appeared to show a route to government for a combined opposition coalition led by Tusk.
PiS, which has governed Poland for eight years, has turned public television into a propaganda arm of the government, restricted abortion rights and demonised LGBTQ+ people, migrants and refugees. It has also put Poland on a collision course with Brussels over rule of law issues, which has led to tens of billions of euros in European funding being frozen.
Tusk appeared on stage at the Civic Coalition election headquarters at Warsaw’s Ethnographical Museum to declare victory.
“It’s the end of the evil times, it’s the end of the PiS rule, we made it,” said Tusk, to cheers from assembled supporters. » | Shaun Walker in Warsaw | Sunday, October 15, 2023
Poland election: opposition claims win after strong exit poll result – as it happened »
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Young Poles Leave the Church | ARTE.tv Documentary
Saturday, October 07, 2023
EU Veteran Tusk Heads into Final Week of Battle to Steer Poland from Populism
GUARDIAN EUROPE: Election is contest between Law and Justice party and politician it claims represents malevolent foreign forces
Donald Tusk speaks to residents of Rzeszów. Photograph: Darek Delmanowicz/EPA
“I want this message to reach everybody in Poland,” said Donald Tusk, speaking to a rally of supporters, gathered in a cavernous indoor sports arena in the city of Bydgoszcz. “This is really the last chance.”
As a vicious, bruising campaign comes to its climax ahead of parliamentary elections on 15 October, Tusk, a veteran of Polish and European politics, has sought to make this point with increasing urgency.
The rally was just one stop on a busy campaign trail for Tusk, whose Civic Coalition is seeking to prevent the nationalist, populist Law and Justice (PiS) government from winning a third term. » | Shaun Walker in Bydgoszcz | Saturday, October 7, 2023
Polish elections: who are the key players and what is at stake?: Tusk-led Civic Platform aims to unseat nationalist Law and Justice party in bitterly contested ballot »
“I want this message to reach everybody in Poland,” said Donald Tusk, speaking to a rally of supporters, gathered in a cavernous indoor sports arena in the city of Bydgoszcz. “This is really the last chance.”
As a vicious, bruising campaign comes to its climax ahead of parliamentary elections on 15 October, Tusk, a veteran of Polish and European politics, has sought to make this point with increasing urgency.
The rally was just one stop on a busy campaign trail for Tusk, whose Civic Coalition is seeking to prevent the nationalist, populist Law and Justice (PiS) government from winning a third term. » | Shaun Walker in Bydgoszcz | Saturday, October 7, 2023
Polish elections: who are the key players and what is at stake?: Tusk-led Civic Platform aims to unseat nationalist Law and Justice party in bitterly contested ballot »
Tuesday, August 01, 2023
Warsaw Sends Troops to Border, Accusing Belarus of Violating Its Airspace
THE GUARDIAN: Polish military says army helicopters crossed eastern flank, adding to tensions caused by proximity of Wagner fighters
Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, had already started moving forces to its border with Belarus before the incursion. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/Reuters
Poland has rushed troops to its eastern border after accusing Belarus, Russia’s closest ally, of violating its airspace with military helicopters.
The Belarusian military denied any such violation and accused Nato member Poland, one of Ukraine’s most fervent backers in its conflict with Russia, of making up the accusation to justify a buildup of its troops.
Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko had earlier taunted Poland over the presence of Russian Wagner mercenaries near their joint border.
Poland’s defence ministry said it was sending “additional forces and resources, including combat helicopters”. It said it had informed Nato of the border violation and Belarus’s chargé d’affaires had been summoned to provide an explanation. » | Reuters in Warsaw | Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Poland has rushed troops to its eastern border after accusing Belarus, Russia’s closest ally, of violating its airspace with military helicopters.
The Belarusian military denied any such violation and accused Nato member Poland, one of Ukraine’s most fervent backers in its conflict with Russia, of making up the accusation to justify a buildup of its troops.
Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko had earlier taunted Poland over the presence of Russian Wagner mercenaries near their joint border.
Poland’s defence ministry said it was sending “additional forces and resources, including combat helicopters”. It said it had informed Nato of the border violation and Belarus’s chargé d’affaires had been summoned to provide an explanation. » | Reuters in Warsaw | Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Putin Accuses Poland of Trying to Get Involved in Ukraine War | DW News
Kul 21, 2023 | After Poland reacted to the arrival of Wagner mercenary troops to Belarus by moving some of its troops to its eastern border, Russia's President Vladimir Putin accused Warsaw of trying to seize more land in eastern Europe.
Putin claimed there were press reports about forming a Polish-Lithuanian unit that would operate in western Ukraine. He also warned that any attack on Belarus, Moscow's sole ally in Europe, would be treated as an attack on Russia.
"It is well known that they also dream of the Belarusian lands," Putin said.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of Russia's Security Council, Putin said that Russia would respond "with all means at our disposal.
Putin claimed there were press reports about forming a Polish-Lithuanian unit that would operate in western Ukraine. He also warned that any attack on Belarus, Moscow's sole ally in Europe, would be treated as an attack on Russia.
"It is well known that they also dream of the Belarusian lands," Putin said.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of Russia's Security Council, Putin said that Russia would respond "with all means at our disposal.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Poland Was Headed to the Far Right. Then Russia Invaded Ukraine
Friday, June 16, 2023
Somewhere in Poland | Smooth Dance
Sunday, June 04, 2023
Poland: Thousands Protest over New Law - BBC News
Related.
Poland: Hundreds of Thousands March against Rightwing Populist Government
THE GUARDIAN: ‘We’re half a million here,’ says Donald Tusk at what he says is biggest political gathering since Poland regained independence
Donald Tusk: ‘The whole of Poland, the whole of Europe and the whole world sees how strong we are and how we are ready to fight for democracy and freedom again, like we did 30, 40 years ago.’ Photograph: Paweł Supernak/EPA
Hundreds of thousands of people have marched through central Warsaw to protest against Poland’s rightwing populist government before a delicately poised election due in the autumn.
The Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power in 2015, since when it has eroded democratic norms, attacked the independent judiciary and launched campaigns against the LGBTQ+ community and reproductive rights.
“We’re half a million here, it’s a record,” said Donald Tusk, the former prime minister who leads the Civil Platform opposition grouping. He said the march on Sunday had been the biggest political gathering since Poland regained independence after the communist period.
There was no official confirmation of the size of the rally, though Warsaw’s city hall also gave a 500,000 estimate, and central streets thronged with crowds of protesters. The city’s metro was overwhelmed as people converged on the centre. Many people waved Polish or EU flags and the mood was defiant but often festive.
“The whole of Poland, the whole of Europe and the whole world sees how strong we are and how we are ready to fight for democracy and freedom again, like we did 30, 40 years ago,” Tusk told the crowds at the start of the rally. » | Shaun Walker in Warsaw | Sunday, June 4, 2023
Glad to see the good and sensible people of Poland fighting back against the extreme right-wing loons that now have a grip on power in Poland. – © Mark Alexander
Hundreds of thousands of people have marched through central Warsaw to protest against Poland’s rightwing populist government before a delicately poised election due in the autumn.
The Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power in 2015, since when it has eroded democratic norms, attacked the independent judiciary and launched campaigns against the LGBTQ+ community and reproductive rights.
“We’re half a million here, it’s a record,” said Donald Tusk, the former prime minister who leads the Civil Platform opposition grouping. He said the march on Sunday had been the biggest political gathering since Poland regained independence after the communist period.
There was no official confirmation of the size of the rally, though Warsaw’s city hall also gave a 500,000 estimate, and central streets thronged with crowds of protesters. The city’s metro was overwhelmed as people converged on the centre. Many people waved Polish or EU flags and the mood was defiant but often festive.
“The whole of Poland, the whole of Europe and the whole world sees how strong we are and how we are ready to fight for democracy and freedom again, like we did 30, 40 years ago,” Tusk told the crowds at the start of the rally. » | Shaun Walker in Warsaw | Sunday, June 4, 2023
Glad to see the good and sensible people of Poland fighting back against the extreme right-wing loons that now have a grip on power in Poland. – © Mark Alexander
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