A large-scale protest against the European Union's climate policy took place in central Warsaw. Participants in the protests are demanding a referendum on Poland's exit from EU commitments to limit emissions and the "green transition."
A large protest against the European Union's climate policy took place in Warsaw on Wednesday. Thousands of people took to the streets of the Polish capital.
The demonstration was organized by the Solidarity trade union. Members of the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) and representatives of far-right movements joined the action.
The main demand of the protesters was to hold a referendum on Poland's participation in the EU's climate policy. Two weeks ago, Polish President Karol Nawrocki submitted a bill to the Senate to conduct such a vote.
However, the chances of the initiative appear slim. The ruling coalition holds a majority in the upper house of parliament, and Polish media expect the bill to be rejected. An absolute majority of senators is required to schedule a referendum.
Opponents of the EU's climate policy argue that Brussels' demands are too costly for industry, energy, and ordinary citizens. This issue is particularly acute in countries where the economy still heavily relies on coal and traditional energy sources.
Importantly, experts emphasize that Poland cannot simply unilaterally withdraw from its climate commitments while remaining a member of the European Union. Such actions would contradict EU legislation.
Nevertheless, the topic of "green policy" is becoming increasingly politically sensitive in Europe—especially against the backdrop of rising energy prices, economic difficulties, and farmers' protests in various EU countries.
The head of the Polish president's office, Pawel Szefernaker, stated in the Senate that holding a referendum would be an expression of "the sovereign power of the people."
The Solidarity trade union, which played a historic role in the fall of the communist regime in Poland, has increasingly been associated with right-wing and national-conservative forces in recent years.
Against the backdrop of upcoming political campaigns, the issue of relations with the EU and the cost of climate reforms is likely to remain one of the most pressing topics in Polish politics.
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