Tens of thousands of nationalist sympathizers converged in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, for an annual Independence Day march on November 11. The gathering commemorates the end of more than a century of partition by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, an event that occurred in 1918. This year's event took place amid heightened tensions following a deadly shooting in Krakow that left six people dead. The perpetrator, whose actions are reportedly linked to far-right ideology, opened fire on the city's main square on November 7.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk appealed for unity and restraint amidst the political divisions following the Krakow tragedy. He emphasized that anyone who truly cares about Poland must recognize that the country's independence, freedom, and secure Republic are a common good. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek revealed that the gunman had shown an interest in Anders Behring Breivik, a neo-Nazi who carried out a mass shooting in Norway in 2011.
The Independence Day march has been a source of tension between right-wing groups and Poland's governing centrists over the years. Critics have pointed to anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant rhetoric associated with the event, while supporters argue that it is an expression of national pride. This year, organizers expected a record turnout, including foreign nationalists such as Spain’s Revuelta youth movement linked to Vox and members of the Hungarian far-right Mi Hazank party. Poland's conservative-nationalist President Karol Nawrocki was among those who attended the march, echoing sentiments that the country should not be managed by political elites against the will of the nation.
The march took place in central Warsaw, with police officers deployed to secure the demonstration. The event has been held annually since 1918, marking the end of Poland's more than 100-year partition by Russia, Prussia, and Austria.