About 250,000 Join Poland’s Independence Day March
About 250,000 people joined the annual Independence Day march in Warsaw on November 11, 2026, including President Karol Nawrocki. Some participants voiced views on domestic politics, the EU and Ukraine. Security was heightened after a shooting in Krakow, but the Warsaw march was largely peaceful.
On November 11, 2026, about 250,000 people joined the annual Independence Day march in Warsaw, Poland’s capital. Participants included conservative and nationalist groups, and President Karol Nawrocki also took part. Alongside displays of nationalist slogans, some participants expressed views on domestic politics, Poland’s relations with the European Union and issues concerning Ukraine.
People take part in an Independence Day march in Warsaw, Poland, on November 11, 2026.（VietVance）
Poland commemorates its restoration of independence in 1918, after 123 years of partition, every November 11. This year’s march took place amid continuing disagreements between the government and opposition over issues including the operation and legitimacy of the Constitutional Court. Judicial reform and judicial appointments under previous governments also remain contentious.
A shooting in Krakow on November 7 killed six people and injured 15. Police shot and killed a 24-year-old suspect. Poland subsequently stepped up security for Independence Day events. The Warsaw march was largely peaceful; Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski said that, as of the afternoon of November 11, no serious incidents had been reported apart from some participants using smoke flares.
People take part in an Independence Day march in Warsaw, Poland, on November 11, 2026.（VietVance）
In addition to the march, Warsaw held Independence Day commemorations including Masses, a military parade and concerts. Differing views at the march on the policies of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, the EU’s role and issues concerning Ukraine showed that these topics continued to draw participants’ attention.
Source: VietVance
