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PM Tusk and Kaczyński compete with rival "patriot" marches ahead of elections

29.03.2025 16:33
The head of the Polish government announces a major march in response to the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) event.
On the left, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk from the Civic Coalition (KO) party, and on the right, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.
On the left, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk from the Civic Coalition (KO) party, and on the right, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.Photo: Anita Walczewska/East News, Dawid Wolski/East News

On March 29, 2025, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced via X (formerly Twitter) a "March of Patriots" scheduled for May 11 in Warsaw, aimed at countering a similar event organized by Jarosław Kaczyński's PiS party.

KO and PiS plan competing marches before elections

"The best response to PiS’ April march will be the great May march of patriots. This May will decide whether Poland will be strong and secure or isolated and weak," announced Tusk.

Polish PM emphasized that the May march would serve as a response to PiS' vision, highlighting its importance for Poland's future strength and security.

The march will also underscore Poland's European identity, according to Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak.

KO vs. PiS: competing marches on May 11 and April 12 in Poland

The PiS march, planned for April 12, will commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland and the 500th anniversary of the Prussian tribute - “a symbol of will, sovereignty, and the strength of the Polish spirit,” as Kaczyński noted on social media.

As the presidential elections draw near, both leaders seek to rally their supporters through these demonstrations. The first round of elections will take place on May 18, 2025, with the second round set for June 1, 2025.

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Source: IAR/PAP/PR24/X/@donaldtusk/@OficjalnyJK