A demonstration organized by the trade union NSZZ “Solidarność” took place on Friday outside the historic BHP Hall, coinciding with a meeting of the European Commission and the Polish government at the nearby European Solidarity Centre. Protesters—among them farmers, steelworkers, miners, railway workers, and shipyard workers—voiced their opposition to EU climate policies, which they argue threaten the Polish economy and workforce.
Piotr Duda, Chairman of NSZZ Solidarność, sharply criticized the European Commission’s Green Deal initiative and questioned its environmental benefits. “It has nothing to do with environmental protection. It’s a fight against Poland’s economy and Polish workers,” he said, adding that the policy hampers Poland’s competitiveness, particularly vis-à-vis Germany.
Duda also took aim at Prime Minister Donald Tusk, calling for a national referendum on the Green Deal. “As prime minister, please announce in the Sejm that we will hold a referendum on this issue. That would make you credible,” he stated. He accused Tusk of making “a good face to a bad game” merely to sustain political support until upcoming presidential elections.
Meanwhile, Robert Bąkiewicz, a prominent figure in conservative social movements, voiced concerns on social media about what he described as “EU tyranny.” He singled out the EU’s migration pact—which he says forces Poland to take in large numbers of migrants—and the Green Deal, accusing the bloc of undermining Polish sovereignty.