Polish PM Donald Tusk is not amused by a citizens’ initiative to patrol the border with Germany. On Friday, he called their actions illegal and described them as disruptive. In response to German federal police allegedly dropping off illegal migrants on Polish territory, citizens have formed the ‘Border Defense Movement’ to patrol the German border, aiming to stop illegal crossings and unlawful deportations by German authorities.
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka said that
The Border Guard is responsible for the integrity of the borders, and the Border Guard is carrying out its duties. We should unequivocally stand ‘with the Polish uniform’ and not obstruct the activities of the Border Guard.
He added that anyone who obstructs these activities, impersonates an officer, or “insults the uniform” will have to face the consequences.
Newly elected conservative president Karol Nawrocki, however, supports the efforts and criticized authorities authorities under Tusk for not doing their job:
If citizens from the Border Defense Movement make efforts to counteract illegal migration … it means that the situation is not under the control of the state authorities today.
On July 1st, Tusk announced that temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania will begin on July 7th, citing Germany’s stricter asylum laws and rising public concern over migrants being pushed back into Poland.
Although Tusk presented the measure as a necessary step under Schengen rules to curb uncontrolled migrant flows, it may also be aimed at regaining voter support amid growing public concern over illegal immigration. The establishment’s recent loss in the presidential election has further destabilized Tusk’s already fragile governing coalition.
On Thursday, parliamentary speaker Szymon Hołownia (Polska 2050), along with other members of the junior coalition partners, was seen in a late-night private meeting with conservative opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party lawmaker Adam Bielan and, reportedly, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, leading to rumors about behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Senate Deputy Speaker Michał Kamiński (Union of European Democrats, formerly Third Way) confirmed that he was the person who had been photographed leaving the venue at 2 a.m., but said his private meetings were not a matter of public interest.
The speculations were shut down by Bielan’s spokesman, who said it’s not unusual for the speaker to meet with parliamentary groups for “exchanging views and information” and emphasized these meetings “do not involve any agreements.”
PM Tusk commented on the rumors in a roundabout way on X on Saturday morning, saying
As you can see, maintaining the coalition is difficult but possible—just like reshaping the government and agreeing on a strategy that will allow us to go on the offensive after the presidential election defeat. It will, of course, require courage and loyalty. Despite the challenges you’re aware of, I will carry out this task.
Jak widzicie, utrzymanie koalicji jest trudne, ale możliwe, podobnie jak przebudowa rządu i uzgodnienie strategii, która pozwoli przejść do ofensywy po przegranej w wyborach prezydenckich. Wymaga oczywiście odwagi i lojalności. Mimo znanych Wam trudności, zrealizuję to zadanie.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) July 5, 2025
