Tens of thousands of Poles protest media reform and arrests of former ministers

(Patria) - Thousands of opposition supporters gathered last night in front of the Polish parliament to protest against the state media reform being implemented by the new government and the arrest of two former ministers accused of abuse of power.

The demonstrations reflect growing tensions in the country as the new pro-European coalition government, led by Donald Tusk, seeks to dismantle the policies of the previous Law and Justice (PiS) nationalist party.

President Andrzej Duda, an ally of PiS, said yesterday that he had initiated pardon proceedings for the two former ministers arrested this week on charges of abuse of authority, further escalating relations with the new government.

- We must win this great battle for a sovereign, independent Poland - PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told the crowd.

Numerous red and white Polish flags waved in front of the parliament building, along with banners reading "Tusk=fifth columnist" or "We survived the Russians, we will survive Tusk".

Niesamowite morze wolnych Polaków 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱 #ProtestWolnychPolaków pic.twitter.com/3sDmtjXhly

— Lucjusz Nadbereżny (@lucjuszn) January 11, 2024

Some chanted Duda's name and "We will win!", reports Hina.

The state news agency PAP quoted Warsaw city authorities, who estimated around 35,000 demonstrators gathered, while a PiS spokesperson said there were almost 200,000.

The demonstrators listened to speeches by PiS MPs before beginning a march towards the state television offices.

The new government dismissed the management of state media, stating its intention to restore balance in media outlets that had become platforms for PiS propaganda during its eight-year rule.

The TV channel TVP Info, which had relentlessly attacked former European Council President Donald Tusk since his return to Polish politics, was taken off the air and returned in a significantly altered form.

- How can people cut off the television signal, everyone has the right to choose what they want. Besides, people were arrested. I am scared by what is happening, that's why I came here - said Ela, 60.