Tens of thousands gathered today in Warsaw for the annual Independence March, which brought Polish citizens from across the country and even from abroad to commemorate Poland’s struggle for sovereignty. The event has made headlines for its unprecedented turnout, drawing what some claim to be the largest crowd in Poland since the protests of the 1970s.
BEAUTIFUL WHITE PRIDE???
— hektikhektor (@HektikHektor) November 11, 2024
POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE DAY march about to start!!!
LIVE STREAMING from My YouTubes channel: https://t.co/D7C7sGrszh
Beautiful Poland!! 🇵🇱
Love Life ❤️ pic.twitter.com/A25T9HJ7I7
Youth Lead the Charge: Poland’s Largest Demonstration Since the 1970s Rallies for Independence
Among the voices at the event, PiS party representative Antoni Macierewicz, speaking to TV Republika, highlighted the massive scale and youthful energy of the demonstration. “This is perhaps the largest demonstration seen in Poland since the 1970s,” he remarked, noting that young people were particularly engaged. “It was dominated by youth, calling not just in praise of independence, but in defence of independence, which they feel is under threat.”
POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE DAY MARCH TODAY! (2024)
— hektikhektor (@HektikHektor) November 11, 2024
AMAZING scenes!
Polish People proudly marching & singing together to celebrate their resilient history, their unique traditions, their amazing way of life & their INDEPENDENCE!
BEAUTIFUL POLAND!
FULL VID HERE https://t.co/SPcCeu2vzK pic.twitter.com/x4DjdQqd27
Defending Sovereignty: Poland’s Independence March Rallies Against EU Influence Amid Concerns of National Autonomy
The rally included chants and banners declaring Poland’s right to autonomy, with speakers voicing a strong desire to shield the country from perceived threats to its national sovereignty. Macierewicz noted that sentiments critical of Poland’s role within the European Union echoed widely, with many participants vocally opposing the influence of the EU in Polish governance. He referenced recent decisions by Donald Tusk’s government, which some protesters feel could endanger Poland’s autonomy. “The rally’s message was clear: no subjugation to the European Union,” he stated, observing that this concern had unified the crowd.
The march, held annually on November 11 to mark Polish Independence Day, celebrates Poland’s independence achieved in 1918. Macierewicz reminded demonstrators of Poland’s history of resilience against foreign control, noting that while independence was declared in 1918, it took several years and conflicts—including opposition from both German and Russian forces—for Poland to fully secure its sovereignty. Drawing parallels to modern challenges, he argued that although Poland remains independent, there are current threats to its autonomy, echoing a sentiment that he believes resonated with today’s marchers, especially young participants.