Poland's leaders unite after mass shooting as nationalist march proceeds

Summarised from 3 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 11 Nov, 19:14 · Archive

Tens of thousands joined Poland's annual Independence Day march in Warsaw days after a mass shooting in Krakow killed six people.

Tens of thousands of nationalist sympathisers gathered in Warsaw on Wednesday for Poland's annual Independence Day march, held each November 11 to commemorate the end of over 100 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. The march proceeded just days after a mass shooting in Krakow on 7 November.

The gunman, identified by prosecutors as 24-year-old Michał Oksiński, drove into a market square in Krakow's main square, killing six people and injuring 15. Police later found three more bodies at his family home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, about 93 miles northeast of Krakow, believed to be his sister, mother and father. Oksiński was pronounced dead following a shootout with police.

Interior minister Marcin Kierwinski said Oksiński held 'very radical views' and 'was fascinated by far-right ideologies', prompting heightened political tensions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk appealed for restraint after ministers linked the shooting to far-right ideology. 'We may hold different views, we may keep each other in check, and at times we may even be political opponents,' Tusk said.

The Independence Day march, held under the motto 'A Pole is the host in Poland', has long been a source of tension between right-wing groups and Poland's governing centrists. Critics say the march platforms racism and antisemitism, while supporters describe it as an expression of national pride. Organisers said they expected record turnout, with foreign nationalist groups set to attend, including Spain's Revuelta and members of Hungary's far-right Mi Hazank party.

President Karol Nawrocki attended the march and has previously participated both in his official capacity and as a private citizen. Nawrocki stated that Poland 'does not exist today so that the political elites can grant themselves the right to manage citizens against the will of the nation', alluding to the centrist government. Despite the deep political divisions, Tusk and Nawrocki were both reported to have joined thousands in a separate 'March of Silence' in Krakow to honour those killed in the shooting.

How it is being reported

• Thousands march to mark Poland’s Independence DayThousands of people have taken to the streets of Warsaw for Poland's annual Independence Day marchAl Jazeera · 11 Nov, 21:02
• Tens of thousands attend Polish nationalist march days after shootingsTens of thousands of Polish nationalist sympathisers gathered in Warsaw Wednesday for an annual Independence Day March, just days after a deadly shooting spree in Krakow that shook the country. The event is held each November 11 to commemorate the ending in 1918 of 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. The event is a magnet for all shades of Poland's right wing -- from conservative-nationalists aligned with its Law and Justice (PiS) party to far-right and radical groups. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports.France 24 · 11 Nov, 19:31
• Tens of thousands join Poland’s nationalist Independence Day marchPolish PM Donald Tusk calls for restraint, urging unity after deadly Krakow attack linked to far-right ideology.Al Jazeera · 11 Nov, 17:38
• Tens of thousands attend Polish nationalist march days afer shootingsTens of thousands of Polish nationalist sympathisers gathered in Warsaw Wednesday for an annual Independence Day March, just days after a deadly shooting spree in Krakow that shook the country. The event is held each November 11 to commemorate the ending in 1918 of 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. While generally peaceful, some rallies in the pasthave been marred by clashes with police or counter-demonstrators. Philip Turle gives us his take.France 24 · 11 Nov, 17:08
• Thousands gather for annual far-right march in Poland days after mass shootingPoland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for restraint ahead of the controversial marchIndependent World · 11 Nov, 12:59
• Poland’s political rivals join ‘March of Silence’ for shooting victimsPresident Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined thousands in Krakow’s ‘March of Silence’.Al Jazeera · 10 Nov, 05:12

In this story: Poland · Warsaw · Krakow · Donald Tusk · Karol Nawrocki · Michał Oksiński · Marcin Kierwinski

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log