On Friday, May 9, 2025, activists from the climate movement Ostatnie Pokolenie (Last Generation) staged a significant protest by blocking the S8 highway in Warsaw, specifically targeting the route towards Białystok. The protest commenced shortly after 4 PM, coinciding with the afternoon rush hour, which exacerbated traffic conditions in the city.
The activists displayed banners with messages such as "Trzaskowski zatrzymaj blokady" (Trzaskowski stop the blockades) and "Tania kolej, nie autostrady" (Cheap rail, not highways), expressing their demands for better regional public transport instead of further highway development. This protest was part of a larger campaign aimed at drawing attention to climate issues and demanding governmental action.
As the blockade unfolded, a traffic jam stretching approximately seven kilometers formed, causing frustration among drivers. One motorist was recorded threatening to run over the protesters, while another female driver resorted to using pepper spray against the activists. The situation escalated, prompting police intervention to manage the chaotic scene.
According to reports from TVN Warszawa, by 5 PM, only two protesters remained glued to the asphalt, having used a particularly strong adhesive. The police managed to unblock the middle lane of the S8, allowing some traffic to flow, but the situation remained tense. Emergency services, including medical teams and firefighters, were on-site to assist with the removal of the protesters.
By around 8 PM, firefighters began using pneumatic hammers to detach the activists from the road. In one instance, a protester was removed along with a piece of asphalt, leaving a noticeable hole in the highway. Both activists were subsequently transported to ambulances as traffic resumed on two lanes, with further improvements allowing three lanes to open later that evening.
Ostatnie Pokolenie released a statement during the protest, revealing that the situation had escalated to verbal and physical aggression, with one activist stating, "Please believe me, I have better activities in May than gluing myself to the road, exposing myself to hate and aggression from drivers. We want politicians to take us seriously." The statement included a call for a meeting with Warsaw's mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, and Donald Tusk, emphasizing the need for political leaders to address their concerns seriously.
Activists highlighted that their demands include shifting 100% of funds from new highway projects to regional public transport and establishing a monthly transport ticket priced at 50 złoty. The group expressed disappointment that Trzaskowski had not responded to their requests for dialogue, which they had hoped would occur before May 4, 2025.
Martyna Leśniak, a spokesperson for Ostatnie Pokolenie, indicated that further blockades would be organized in the coming days if their demands continued to be ignored. "We are still waiting and are open to any response from Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski," she remarked, reiterating the group's commitment to advocating for affordable regional transport as a means of combating climate change.
This protest is part of a broader strategy by Ostatnie Pokolenie to pressure the Polish government into taking more aggressive action against climate change. The group argues that without significant changes, the country will continue to face severe environmental challenges.
In their communications, the activists have made it clear that they view their actions as a necessary last resort, stating that they are willing to face backlash and hostility to ensure their voices are heard. The ongoing climate crisis, they argue, is not being adequately addressed in the current political discourse, especially in the run-up to the presidential elections.
As the evening progressed, the traffic disruptions persisted, with the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) estimating that the delays would last until around 6 PM. However, the situation continued to evolve, with delays extending well into the night as the aftermath of the protest unfolded.
Despite the challenges and the aggressive responses from some drivers, the activists remained steadfast in their cause. They emphasized that their actions are aimed at raising awareness about the urgent need for climate action and better public transport options in Poland.
In the wake of the protests, Ostatnie Pokolenie reiterated their commitment to pushing for policy changes that prioritize public transport over highway expansion. They argue that such investments are crucial for both environmental sustainability and social equity, addressing issues of transportation exclusion that many communities face.
The protest on May 9 is expected to be one of many as Ostatnie Pokolenie continues to mobilize support and draw attention to their cause. With the presidential elections approaching, the group hopes to leverage their activism to influence political agendas and ensure that climate issues remain at the forefront of public discussion.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how local and national leaders respond to the demands of Ostatnie Pokolenie and whether they will take meaningful steps towards addressing the pressing issues of climate change and public transportation in Poland.
