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Joanna Szczepkowska joins protest in Warsaw against President Nawrocki

01.12.2025 14:10
Renowned Polish actress Joanna Szczepkowska joined a protest outside Warsaw’s Belweder Palace on Saturday, demonstrating against President Karol Nawrocki over his anti-EU rhetoric and record number of vetoed bills. 
Joanna Szczepkowska (centre, wearing a red hat), renowned Polish actress famous for announcing the end of communism on national television in 1989, joined protesters demonstrating against President Nawrocki in front of the Belweder Palace.
Joanna Szczepkowska (centre, wearing a red hat), renowned Polish actress famous for announcing the end of communism on national television in 1989, joined protesters demonstrating against President Nawrocki in front of the Belweder Palace.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

The protest preceded public attention on Nawrocki after he cancelled a planned meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán the following day.

Szczepkowska, one of Poland’s most celebrated actresses, famous for announcing the end of communism on national television in 1989, described her participation as a gesture of solidarity with a generation that has long fought for democracy: “Together again. My generation. I am proud and moved that from martial law until today we take to the streets when we need to protest, regardless of the risks.”

She noted that the demonstration had been legally registered and, despite attempts by opponents to drown out the protest, participants remained united: “The sound system was terrible, the microphone kept failing… but for me, that had its charm. The Foundation ‘Together for Democracy’ acted in good faith, and I thank them for that.”

Dobry wieczór. Dzisiaj oczywiście refleksje po spotkaniu pod Belwederem. Nazywam to spotkaniem dlatego, że demonstracja...

Opublikowany przez Joannę Szczepkowską Sobota, 29 listopada 2025

The protest drew several hundred participants, including elderly and disabled individuals, a sight that Szczepkowska described as particularly moving.

Protesters demonstrated last weekend against Karol Nawrocki, backed by right-wing populists from PiS, who, despite his short tenure as president, has vetoed the most laws in a record period in Polish history. The demonstration in Warsaw was supported by actress Joanna Szczepkowska, a long-time advocate for democracy in Poland (PAP/R. Pietruszka) Protesters demonstrated last weekend against Karol Nawrocki, backed by right-wing populists from PiS, who, despite his short tenure as president, has vetoed the most laws in a record period in Polish history. The demonstration in Warsaw was supported by actress Joanna Szczepkowska, a long-time advocate for democracy in Poland (PAP/R. Pietruszka)

Public pressure after cancelled meeting with Orbán

Following the cancellation on Sunday, 30 November, of a previously planned meeting between Nawrocki and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Szczepkowska commented that the decision should not be celebrated, but seen as a demonstration of public pressure: “Let’s hold on to that strength!”

She also criticised the planned meeting, highlighting Orbán’s controversial political connections and the potential implications for the president’s image.

Szczepkowska emphasised that her involvement in protests reflects a long-standing commitment to civic engagement: “I will continue to do what I do… sometimes you just have to dream.”

Dobry wieczór. Mój pierwszy, od miesięcy, bez spektaklu, więc mogę więcej czasu poświęcić na wpis. Gorąca wiadomość jest...

Opublikowany przez Joannę Szczepkowską Niedziela, 30 listopada 2025

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Source: Facebook.com/Joanna Szczepkowska