The nation has voiced a clear demand: a Poland that is democratic, open, and firmly aligned with Europe. This conviction was articulated by Rafał Trzaskowski, the Warsaw mayor and deputy leader of the Civic Platform, during the June 4th commemoration in the capital.
People gathered in a Sunday march organized by the Civic Platform and Donald Tusk, convening at Na Rozdrożu Square in Warsaw. The event began around noon and served as a public demonstration against the current government. It drew leaders from the main opposition groups, signaling a united stance in the protest movement.
Trzaskowski addressed the crowd, noting that the gathering drew participants from across Poland. He observed a sea of Polish and European flags among the supporters and extended a warm greeting to everyone present. He reminded the audience that the nation has the right to voice the kind of Poles it wants to be.
We want a democratic, open and European Poland,
the Warsaw mayor affirmed, reinforcing the central message of the day.
The location itself held symbolic meaning. Na Rozdrożu, which translates to the Crossroads, was described by Trzaskowski as a reminder that the march is part of a broader journey toward a shared goal of victory.
“Authority tries to destroy democracy”
In his remarks, Trzaskowski stressed the need to rebuild a community of free and courageous citizens. He called on Poles to wake up, especially at a moment when the authorities are perceived as undermining democracy, politicizing independent institutions, and marginalizing Poland within the European Union. The call for freedom resonated with the crowd.
Trzaskowski warned that the choices ahead concern defending personal freedoms against those who seek to dictate how people should live, to indoctrinate schools, to erode women’s rights, and to attack minority groups. The message was clear: enough is enough.
Attorney Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram of the Free Courts initiative spoke about women’s rights in the same vein. She spoke of the desire to decide for oneself how one’s life and family should look, condemning the humiliation and the use of force against women who stand up for basic rights. Her words framed the march as a stand against patriarchy and it’s assault on dignity.
She argued that the law should shield people from the caprices of those in power, ensuring protections rather than allowing power to trample on rights.
The event captured the mood of a broad segment of the opposition, uniting voices around democratic norms, rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties. Observers noted the significance of a large, peaceful demonstration that emphasized unity and resilience in the face of political pressure. The gathering was marked by a sense of shared responsibility to safeguard fundamental freedoms and to uphold Poland’s European orientation.
As the day unfolded, participants exchanged views on what a resilient democracy should look like, emphasizing transparent governance, independent institutions, and the right of citizens to participate freely in civic life. The dialogue highlighted the belief that civic engagement and peaceful protest are essential tools in shaping the country’s future. The organizers and speakers underscored the importance of staying true to these principles while seeking constructive paths forward. [Cite: wPolityce]
Overall, the event conveyed a clear message: a collective expectation that public life remains accountable to the people, that women’s rights are defended, and that Poland continues its course toward deeper integration with European standards. The march underscored the resolve of a broad opposition to defend the values that many Poles associate with a vibrant, free, and inclusive society. [Cite: wPolityce]