During the march, organizers had planned a chance to hear Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, but the leaders concluded that the moment belonged to the people. Szymon Hołownia, head of Poland 2050, told PAP that the most important voice was the crowd, not the speakers. Dariusz Klimczak of PSL echoed this sentiment, noting that many supporters stopped the procession as leaders moved slowly toward the rally point.
On Sunday, a demonstration organized by the Civic Platform and its leader Donald Tusk moved through Warsaw to protest the current government. The march drew attendance from the leaders of Poland’s major opposition factions: PSL chairman Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Szymon Hołownia of Poland 2050, and Włodzimierz Czarzasty of New Left.
Tusk Confirmed
Szymon Hołownia, asked on Sunday whether his absence on stage during the march had been prearranged, said that both he and Kosiniak-Kamysz had received a message on Saturday or Friday from Donald Tusk confirming they could speak. The message triggered a rapid check among staff about the logistics, but the moment to break through had not arrived. The crowd grew too large, and time ran short. Even President Lech Wałęsa commented from the crowd, and the group could not reach the stage before the speakers were ready to begin.
Hołownia described how the day unfolded: a genuine chance to speak had existed, yet the emphasis remained on the people and their participation. The event was about democracy in action, not about individual politicians. He felt the decision to not speak personally was acceptable because the day belonged to the citizens. The absence of speeches did not diminish the impact of the gathering; it simply shifted the spotlight toward those who came to listen and share their views.
Klimczak added that both Hołownia and Kosiniak-Kamysz had planned to address the march, but the sheer number of attendees along the route made it impossible to reach the designated speaking point in time. The crowd, he said, was the real star of the day, and the media presence around the participants did not lead to any disappointment in communication or outcomes.
Hołownia and Kosiniak-Kamysz later reaffirmed their intention to join the march. The broader aim, Klimczak explained, was to demonstrate that opposition parties could stand together on issues such as the rule of law and democracy, especially when faced with actions that threatened equal participation in political life. The message circulated widely: unity among opponents is crucial, even if speeches were not delivered at every moment of the event.
The focus was on showing solidarity rather than listing electoral candidates. For PSL and its partners, the conversations with voters, including those not aligned with any party, were uplifting and stirred hope for the future. Klimczak remarked that these encounters underscored a shared commitment to democratic values and a refusal to accept moves that would tilt the system toward one faction.
When asked whether Hołownia would reconsider a single opposition list after the march, he dismissed the idea. There would not be one list, he said. The choice was clear: either Poland 2050 and PSL united, or the Confederation. If the Confederation carried the day, PiS would likely govern again; if the united opposition prevailed, a democratic government could take the helm. Hołownia stressed that the alliance with PSL had already weakened Confederation in pre-election polls, and the path forward would be guided by a clear vision rather than a simplistic alliance of convenience.
Hołownia argued for a practical path forward that avoids overreliance on one electoral list. The aim is to pursue a democratic government in Poland, with a clear strategy that does not hinge on a single political formula. The conversation, he indicated, continues with the voters who have shown up and asked questions about the future of the country.
Bitter Words for Hołownia
Asked whether any harsh comments were directed at him during the march regarding the absence of a unified single list, Hołownia confirmed that some people questioned why his group did not agree to run together in a single format. When tensions arose over the idea of a single list, the proponents favored a broader, two-list approach. Hołownia explained that a split can prompt more constructive dialogue, whereas a single list could risk consolidating opposition forces in a way that might empower the governing party’s coalition. He emphasized that the goal was to avoid a situation where poll numbers predict a dangerous consolidation for the ruling party.
From conversations held during the Sunday march, Hołownia walked away with the conviction that even when disagreements existed, participants listened to one another. He expressed a commitment to a Poland with diverse voices and a willingness to see differences as a strength rather than a weakness. He denied hearing accusations that he was tearing the opposition apart, insisting that his group and PSL had been instrumental in creating a platform for collaboration and unity. The emphasis, he said, remains on building a broad and inclusive opposition that can mobilize voters across party lines.
In closing, the leaders and participants walked away with a shared sense of purpose: to demonstrate resilience in defending the rule of law and democratic principles. The day stood as a testament to the power of citizen-led movements and a reminder that the strength of Poland rests not in a single party, but in a robust conversation among many voices.
Overall, the march highlighted the importance of dialogue, participation, and a common commitment to democratic values. The events underscored that while arrangements may shift and timing may falter, the people’s message remains clear and compelling.