Polish Protesters Demand National Flag Display Amidst Election Tensions

Protests Erupt in Poland Over Flag Display at EU Commission Building Warsaw, Poland – On May 18, 2025, a protest took place in Warsaw, Poland, focusing on the flags displayed at the Polish branch of the European Commission. Demonstrators, many with shaved heads, marched through the city chanting slogans demanding the removal of the rainbow, Ukrainian, and European flags, and the sole display of the Polish flag. "Poland for Poles!" was a common cry heard throughout the demonstration. One organizer stated, "The absence of the Polish flag is a scandal!" The protest highlights growing tensions in Poland surrounding national identity and immigration, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. Experts suggest that the election's outcome will significantly impact the country's stance on immigration and relations with neighboring Ukraine. The demonstration underscores a hardening political climate in Poland. While the protest was largely peaceful, the strong emotions displayed highlight the deep divisions within Polish society. The event serves as a reminder of the complex political landscape in Poland and its implications for both domestic and international affairs.