Wednesday Evening on Wisłostrada
A wide, multi-lane road in Warsaw suddenly comes to a halt as drivers encounter a traffic jam. All lanes are blocked, and flashing blue lights from police vehicles are visible in the distance. Initially, the drivers think a serious accident has occurred ahead. But that’s far from the truth. Climate activists from the “Last Generation” have once again decided to block the road.
City Council Members Say Enough
Warsaw city council members, from across the political spectrum, have voiced their criticism of this form of protest.
Tomasz Herbich, a councilor from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, emphasized that such protests must be firmly and consistently eliminated as they are unacceptable forms of activism.
“It is unacceptable to pursue goals in a way that harms residents, regardless of how those goals are evaluated. Such protests that directly impact Warsaw’s citizens must be met with a firm response,” he stated.
Other PiS councilors, during a press conference, highlighted the city’s cooperation with the organization. They noted that the “Last Generation” benefits from preferential access to a public space for its activities.
All Factions Condemn the Protest Methods
Sławomir Potapowicz, leader of Warsaw’s Modern Party (Nowoczesna), also criticized the protests, stating that while activism is important, it must have limits and cannot create public unrest or obstacles for other residents.
“Regarding their protest methods, I have nothing but negative thoughts. I believe there are other ways to express support for addressing the climate crisis,” Potapowicz added.
Melania Łuczak, deputy chair of the Warsaw City Council and a member of the “City Is Ours” (Miasto Jest Nasze) party, also commented. She argued that blocking Wisłostrada does not foster dialogue.
“It’s dialogue with authorities that can lead to the changes they seek. However, their radical actions undermine these opportunities,” she stressed.
Not Just the Young People Anymore
Until now, videos of activists gluing themselves to roads, sitting in traffic in reflective vests, or engaging in more extreme actions such as vandalizing monuments and works of art predominantly featured young faces.
Over time, more seasoned protest participants have joined them. Recently, there has been a growing presence of individuals involved in protests organized by the Committee for the Defense of Democracy (KOD) and other groups. Among them is “Polityka” journalist Ewa Siedlecka, as well as Katarzyna Augustynek, known as “Grandma Kasia.”
Photos and videos show this well-known activist—frequently seen at Warsaw’s protests—standing side by side with those blocking the capital’s main roads.
She’s Here Too
This time, however, Katarzyna Augustynek was unable to arrive under her own power. Due to a leg injury, she came in a wheelchair. In September, she reportedly broke her leg during a scuffle near the Smolensk monument in Piłsudski Square.
The street protest icon slipped during an altercation and fell. Observant internet users pointed out in released footage that she was seen standing on the injured leg in subsequent clips.
Just days ago, Ordo Iuris announced that Augustynek had been convicted of assaulting a pro-life activist. She allegedly punched the volunteer in the chest and stomach and even bit his hand.