On April 5, 2025, a significant protest against mass migration unfolded in Gubin, a town near the Polish-German border. Organized by various patriotic groups, including the Ruch Obrony Granic (Movement for Border Defense), the demonstration aimed to express discontent over the perceived influx of illegal immigrants from Germany into Poland. Protesters gathered at noon, chanting slogans such as "Stop flooding Poland with migrants by Germany," and called for stricter border controls.
Robert Bąkiewicz, a prominent figure in the movement and one of the protest leaders, articulated the group's grievances during the rally. He asserted that the German government, with the complicity of Polish political figures like Donald Tusk and Rafał Trzaskowski, is responsible for facilitating the migration crisis. "If our neighbors in Germany are instigating this war, which involves human lives, then we will accept this war and win it," he declared passionately to the assembled crowd. Bąkiewicz emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging citizens to awaken and resist what he described as a national threat. "The nation is waking up! Not just at the border, but in Radom, Siedlce, Suwałki, Płock, and many other places. Let us awaken the entire nation today!" he proclaimed.
The protest in Gubin is part of a broader series of demonstrations that have taken place across Poland, including notable events in Gorzów and Słubice. In Słubice, tensions escalated into scuffles with police, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding migration policies. Bąkiewicz and his supporters are adamant that the Polish government must take decisive action to restore border controls and renounce the EU Migration Pact, which they believe compromises Poland's sovereignty.
Janusz Kowalski, a member of the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), also addressed the protestors in Gubin, echoing their concerns about illegal migration and its implications for national security. "Poles do not want illegal migrants from Germany. We do not want an increase in crime or a decrease in safety in our country," Kowalski stated, reinforcing the sentiment that the current political leadership must respond to the public's fears. He further criticized Tusk and Trzaskowski, asserting that they are complicit in the migration crisis, and stated emphatically, "There will be no tolerance for illegal migration. Our mothers, wives, and children must feel safe on Polish streets."
The Ruch Obrony Granic's demands extend beyond immediate border control. They are advocating for the dissolution of the EU Migration Pact and opposing the establishment of Centers for the Integration of Foreigners in Poland, which they view as detrimental to national interests. Bąkiewicz called for a united front, urging citizens to join the movement and support their cause through various means, including financial contributions and public demonstrations.
In a statement made on social media prior to the protest, Bąkiewicz rallied supporters by emphasizing the importance of collective action. "We are mobilizing people and encouraging them to join the Ruch Obrony Granic. Information on how to participate can be found at ruchobronygranic.pl. Let us prepare a social resistance that Donald Tusk and his German allies cannot withstand," he urged. This call to action reflects a growing sentiment among certain segments of the Polish population, who feel that their government is failing to adequately address the challenges posed by migration.
As the protest in Gubin unfolded, it became clear that this movement is not an isolated incident. The organizers are planning further demonstrations, including a two-day meeting of organizations interested in joining the Ruch Obrony Granic on April 11, 2025. Additionally, another major protest is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in Warsaw, where participants will gather to voice their opposition to the current migration policy.
The atmosphere at the Gubin protest was charged with emotion, as demonstrators waved flags and shouted slogans, reinforcing their commitment to the cause. Many participants expressed their fears about the implications of uncontrolled migration on Polish society, citing concerns over crime and cultural integration. The rally served not only as a platform for expressing dissent but also as a means of galvanizing support for a movement that seeks to reshape Poland's approach to migration.
In conclusion, the protests led by the Ruch Obrony Granic and supported by various patriotic factions reflect a significant moment in Poland's ongoing debate over migration policy. With growing public sentiment against illegal immigration and calls for stricter border controls, the Polish government faces mounting pressure to respond to these concerns. As the situation continues to evolve, the protests in Gubin and elsewhere may serve as a bellwether for the future direction of Poland's immigration policies.
