{
  "id": 19560742,
  "title": "Polish independence day march gathers 250,000 in Warsaw",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/polish-independence-day-march-gathers-250-000-in-warsaw-19560742",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T21:49:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/11/12/polish-independence-day-march-gathers-250-000-in-warsaw"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WARSAW: Over 250,000 Polish nationalists and sympathizers marched in Warsaw on November 11 to commemorate the country's 1918 independence from Russian, Prussian and Austrian rule. The Independence Day march began with the national anthem, followed by participants burning flares and waving Polish flags, which filled the demonstration with thick smoke.\n\nRafal Buca, a spokesperson for the event's organizers, stated that there were definitely more than half a million people in attendance, though city authorities estimated around 250,000 participants.\n\nPresident Karol Nawrocki, known for his conservative-nationalist views and previous participation in the demonstration, was among those marching. The event attracted various shades of Poland's right-wing, including conservative-nationalists aligned with the Law and Justice (PiS) party, far-right and radical groups.\n\nXenophobic slogans like \"Make Europe white again\" and pro-Polish sentiments such as \"Poland is not for sale\" were visible on the demonstrators' posters. Some also compared Prime Minister Donald Tusk to a \"dictator.\"\n\nJedrzej Kozak, a 28-year-old IT specialist from Torun, attended the march to show solidarity with the Polish nation. She expressed her desire for Poland to leave the European Union, stating, \"It goes without saying we must leave the European Union because Poland should be a sovereign state.\"\n\nAnti-Ukrainian sentiments were present, with nationalist and far-right circles opposing the \"Ukrainisation of Poland.\" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on social media, expressing his gratitude for Poland's support in Ukraine's struggle for independence and freedom.\n\nDespite generally peaceful conditions, past marches have occasionally witnessed clashes with police or counter-demonstrators. This year, the march took place amid political tensions between Prime Minister Tusk's centrist government and the nationalist right over the country's Constitutional Tribunal. The court's legitimacy has been questioned due to controversial appointments made under previous right-wing governments. The governing coalition aims to rectify political reforms and appointments deemed contrary to democratic standards by the far-right.\n\nNationalists accuse Tusk of undermining constitutional order, and right-wing protesters have been camping outside the tribunal for weeks. Authorities feared political tensions could escalate, preventing some demonstrators from storming the Constitutional Tribunal. The authorities also organized various events, including masses, a military parade, and concerts, to ensure a peaceful and safe celebration of Poland's independence.",
  "summary": "Poland’s Nov 11 independence march marks the end of 123 years of foreign partition in 1918, with some participants also protesting against the government, EU and a court whose legitimacy is disputed.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Notes from Poland",
        "title": "Annual Polish Independence March passes through Warsaw",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/annual-polish-independence-march-passes-through-warsaw",
        "published": "2026-11-11T15:34:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}