‘God, honour, fatherland’: Independence Day march shows Poland’s polarisation

First published in Deník N. A quarter of a million nationalists marched on Warsaw to mark Poland’s 108th independence anniversary on Wednesday (11 November). But the national holiday revealed political disputes and deep divisions in the country. Carrying an AI-generated placard of Polish president Karol Nawrocki was Ireneusz, a Szczecin man who had ventured to the capital for independence day. “They have taken over an independent institution, they got in through the back door … All our independence is under threat at this moment,” he said, pointing to the Constitutional Tribunal building in front of which he stood. Once again, the institution has become the centre of a political dispute between president Nawrocki and prime minister Donald Tusk. The power struggle between the leaders is a manifestation of deeper divisions in Polish society. Poles are split between support for the right-wing bloc, including the far right who supported president Nawrocki's bid for office, or that of prime minister Tusk’s Civic Coalition. Protests in the country come ahead of parliamentary elections next autumn. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login