Key Takeaways
• Thousands rallied in Warsaw on May 10, 2025, protesting immigration and supporting nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki.
• Poland currently hosts about one million refugees, mainly from Ukraine, sparking heated national debate ahead of the May 18 election.
• Stricter immigration proposals and concerns about hybrid warfare dominate Polish politics, with EU leaders urging tougher border controls.
Several thousand Polish nationalists gathered in Warsaw on Saturday, May 10, 2025, staging a large anti-immigration demonstration just one week before Poland’s important presidential election. Waving red and white flags, the protesters marched through central Warsaw, openly challenging the country’s pro-European government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and voicing sharp opposition to current immigration policies.
This crowd, which came together near Poland’s major government buildings, loudly chanted slogans like “no to immigration” and called out the name of Karol Nawrocki, a leading nationalist presidential candidate. The event drew participants from all around Poland 🇵🇱, with some traveling long distances to join what they see as a critical stand for the country’s future.
Immigration Moves to the Front of Polish Politics
Immigration is now one of the most talked-about topics in Poland 🇵🇱. Tensions have been rising for months, and this protest clearly showed how big a role migration will play in deciding who leads the nation after May 18.
Poland 🇵🇱 currently hosts around one million refugees, most of whom have fled the war in nearby Ukraine 🇺🇦. Because the two countries share a long border, Poland 🇵🇱 has become one of the main points of entry for people running from conflict. This sudden arrival has changed life in many Polish towns and cities. While some locals have welcomed refugees, others worry about the long-term impact on Polish society and the economy.
Authorities in Poland 🇵🇱 have accused Russia 🇷🇺 and Belarus 🇧🇾 of trying to disrupt Polish and European Union (EU) stability by pushing waves of migrants toward Polish borders. These claims have added another layer of tension and uncertainty, making immigration policy even more of a flashpoint as voters prepare to pick their next president.
The Political Players and Their Positions
The anti-immigration demonstration featured not just everyday citizens, but also key supporters from several right-wing and nationalist groups. The main political figure connected to this protest was Karol Nawrocki. At 42, Nawrocki is described by the media as an admirer of US President Trump and enjoys the backing of Poland’s right-wing opposition Law and Justice party, as well as outgoing President Andrzej Duda.
Right now, Karol Nawrocki holds second place in most national polls, with about 25 percent of voter support. His political message is strongly focused on national identity, border security, and stopping illegal immigration. These ideas appear to have struck a chord with many voters, especially as concerns about new arrivals from outside Poland 🇵🇱 grow.
Nawrocki’s main rival in the race is Rafal Trzaskowski, the pro-European Union Mayor of Warsaw 🇵🇱. Trzaskowski, who is supported by Prime Minister Tusk’s Civic Coalition, is leading with around 32 percent in current polls. The big gap between these two candidates shows how sharply divided Poland 🇵🇱 is right now many people support tighter controls on immigration, while others want to continue working closely with the EU and to offer help to those fleeing war and hardship.
This latest protest was not only about Karol Nawrocki. Supporters of Slawomir Mentzen, another far-right candidate from the libertarian Confederation party, also attended. Their presence highlights a wider push within Polish nationalism to shut down irregular migration and keep Poland 🇵🇱’s borders as secure as possible.
Protesters Express Strong Concerns
During the demonstration, many people shared personal stories and explained why they felt the need to march. A 66-year-old Polish farmer, Boguslaw Uchmanowicz, stood out in the crowd and spoke openly with international reporters. “Poland has to defend itself against illegal immigration. These migrants have their own countries. They should stay there,” he said.
Many others echoed his concerns, saying they worry about job security, safety, and the cultural impact of new arrivals. For them, stopping illegal immigration is not just about politics, but about protecting their way of life.
Poland’s Ongoing Migration Tension
Tension over immigration is not new in Poland 🇵🇱. However, the scale and passion of this weekend’s demonstration show how important the issue has become, especially before such a major election. Recent history suggests that political parties in Poland 🇵🇱 can gain a lot of support by promising to limit new arrivals and stressing the need to protect Polish identity.
Just two months earlier, in March, protestors blocked a key border bridge with Germany 🇩🇪, claiming that the neighboring country was “flooding Poland with migrants.” These strong feelings have not disappeared, and the recent demonstration in Warsaw 🇵🇱 was only the latest sign of a broader movement.
The European Response and Regional Context
Pressure on Poland 🇵🇱 to tighten its immigration policy comes not only from within but also from its neighbors and other European leaders. On May 8, just days before the big protest, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Prime Minister Tusk in Warsaw 🇵🇱. During that meeting, Merz promised that Germany 🇩🇪 would join an effort—also backed by the Netherlands 🇳🇱, Denmark 🇩🇰, and Italy 🇮🇹—to make European Union border policies tougher.
Merz expressed strong support for making Europe’s borders more secure and taking action together across countries to reduce illegal immigration. The German leader said: “Ensuring the EU’s border security is very important. We are committed to helping tackle illegal immigration.” This visit showed how closely Polish immigration debates are connected to what is happening across the rest of Europe.
In April, Prime Minister Tusk announced that Poland 🇵🇱 would soon start an information campaign meant to warn would-be migrants not to try crossing into the country. It is still unclear what this campaign will look like or how it will affect actual migration numbers, but Tusk’s statement shows the government is feeling the pressure from both sides—the demand for more openness from some, and calls for strict controls from others.
What’s at Stake for Poland and Europe
The reasons behind Poland’s 🇵🇱 heated debates over immigration are complex. On one hand, there are humanitarian reasons for giving shelter to people running from war, especially in neighboring Ukraine 🇺🇦. Many Polish families and communities have helped refugees find homes, schools, and jobs. On the other hand, there are questions about how many new arrivals Poland 🇵🇱 can support without facing problems like job competition, strained public services, or cultural clashes.
Lawmakers in Poland 🇵🇱 have also raised concerns about so-called “hybrid warfare.” This is when foreign countries, such as Russia 🇷🇺 or Belarus 🇧🇾, try to create confusion or unrest by pushing waves of people across borders. Some officials argue that these actions are meant to weaken the security and unity of Poland 🇵🇱 and the EU.
As analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests, the outcome of Poland’s 🇵🇱 presidential election could shape not only national policy on immigration but also influence decisions in other European countries. If the next leader chooses a harder line, you may see even more countries following suit and creating stricter border controls across the EU.
The Broader Immigration Debate in Poland
Beyond the immediate political battle, the immigration debate in Poland 🇵🇱 reaches deep into the nation’s history and self-image. Many people look at the country’s past, including times when Poles themselves fled war or persecution, and ask whether today’s immigrants deserve a similar welcome. Others argue that today’s situation is different and that protecting “Polishness” comes first.
Organizations and parties supporting Polish nationalists, like those backing Karol Nawrocki, have pointed to rising numbers of “illegal migrants” and called for even stronger border protection. They often link these newcomers with crime or economic hardship, saying it is the government’s duty to defend Polish citizens above all else.
Opponents take a different view, saying that there is an obligation to help people in trouble and that an open society benefits everyone, both economically and culturally.
Immediate and Long-term Impacts
The recent demonstration and the tough messages echo years of struggle to find a balance between charity and safety. In the short run, these protests may help push immigration issues higher on the political agenda and may influence voters who are still undecided. The protest has also brought greater attention to Karol Nawrocki and others who call for a stricter approach.
If more Polish voters are persuaded by these arguments, there could soon be tougher national rules for getting a visa, residency, or asylum. This would affect not just people from Ukraine 🇺🇦 or Belarus 🇧🇾 but also anyone from outside the country who is seeking a life in Poland 🇵🇱.
In the long term, Poland 🇵🇱’s choices could become a model—or a warning—for other countries in Europe. Stricter immigration measures could slow down the flow of people across the continent, leading to possible changes in how the Schengen Area (the EU’s border-free zone) works. On the other side, if these moves cause friction within the EU, there could be more disagreements or even formal disputes between countries.
Controversies and Different Views
Not everyone in Poland 🇵🇱 agrees with the anti-immigration message. Some see it as unfair or even dangerous, because it can lead to increased hostility toward foreigners and migrants. Local and international rights groups have warned that strong language against migrants can spark division and violence, making life even harder for those who already face big challenges.
Supporters of the protests argue that countries must stand up for their own interests and keep control over who enters. They claim that past government policies have made Poland 🇵🇱 more open than many people want, and that now is the time for a change led by strong nationalist voices like Karol Nawrocki.
This clash of opinions is unlikely to end soon. As the election day gets closer, politicians are likely to keep using immigration as a key talking point to attract voters.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next
Polish voters face a sharp choice in the May 18 presidential election. The result could dramatically reshape not only the country’s approach to immigration, but also relations with the growing European Union and Poland’s 🇵🇱 own neighbors. If Karol Nawrocki and other Polish nationalists gain power, expect to see swift moves to tighten border controls, rewrite immigration rules, and focus even more on national interests.
Those who want to stay updated on official Polish immigration policy or check the latest requirements for entry or residency can find current details on the official Polish government migration portal. This site is a good source if you are thinking about traveling to, working in, or moving to Poland 🇵🇱.
No matter the outcome, the strong feelings around immigration, shown clearly by the recent protest, will continue to shape Polish debates for years to come. As the vote nears, all eyes are on Warsaw 🇵🇱 and the competing visions for Poland’s future—visions shaped by deep questions about who belongs, who gets to decide, and what kind of country Poland 🇵🇱 will be for generations ahead.
Learn Today
Hybrid warfare → Strategy using non-military tactics, such as mass migration, to destabilize a country or region’s security and unity.
Schengen Area → A zone of 27 European countries allowing free movement of people without passport checks at internal borders.
Nationalist → A person or political movement prioritizing national identity, culture, sovereignty, and strict controls on immigration.
Asylum → Protection granted by a country to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or danger in their home countries.
Right-wing opposition → Political parties or groups that advocate conservative, nationalist policies, often supporting stricter immigration enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thousands of Polish nationalists gathered in Warsaw ahead of Poland’s 2025 presidential election, protesting current immigration policies. The event highlighted deep divisions, as Karol Nawrocki gained traction championing stricter border controls. Immigration remains a flashpoint, influencing both national politics and the broader relationship between Poland and the European Union.
— By VisaVerge.com
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