Recently, demonstrations organized by the group, including opposition actions, drew crowds larger than any seen before. The growing turnout fuels optimism that Poles across the nation will pay attention to the direction of the current government and how it aligns with broader democratic values. Observers see a potential path forward that could unite people, even though this marks just the first phase of a longer journey, as noted by former Prime Minister and MEP Beata Szydło after the January 11 march through Warsaw.
March of the Free Poles
The former prime minister underscored the need to make clear that the situation in Poland today, including policies led by Tusk and his team, could steer the country away from the core principles of a free and lawful democracy.
Concerns include what is viewed as violations of the Constitution, questions about the foundations of the constitutional order, memories of a compulsory reshaping of public media, and a perceived disregard for existing laws. There is a sense that international opinion and major global institutions have largely supported the government’s actions, while European bodies have not voiced strong objections to what some see as a weakening of the rule of law in Poland. The detention of Sejm members Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik in the Presidential Palace is cited as a striking symbol. Poles are urged to awaken to these developments,
Beata Szydło stressed that these events have left a lasting impression on her. The question remains how a democratic state within the European Union, and a nation in central Europe, could see police enter the presidential palace and detain guests in the absence of the president. The scene was described as extraordinary and alarming by the MEP.
The gathering aimed to highlight concerns about governance, the rule of law, and the role of public institutions in Poland’s political landscape. The debate over these issues continues to echo among supporters and critics alike as the country contemplates its future within a broader European context. This ongoing dialogue shapes how the public perceives the balance between political leadership, legal norms, and democratic accountability.
Attribution: wPolityce