Warsaw, Poland – The Polish government, led by the Law and Justice party, has unveiled plans to hold a national referendum posing a pivotal question to voters: whether they endorse the acceptance of “thousands of illegal immigrants from the Middle East and Africa” in accordance with the European Union’s prescribed relocation strategy. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki revealed this proposition in a recent video posted on social media, signaling a calculated move to leverage migration as a strategic asset in the upcoming general election campaign.
The referendum initiative mirrors a previous successful tactic employed by Law and Justice, which capitalized on migration concerns to secure power in 2015. Morawiecki confirmed that the referendum question aims to gauge public sentiment regarding the admission of unauthorized immigrants through the European Union’s compelled relocation mechanism, which has stirred debate across member states.
The proposed referendum, tentatively slated to coincide with the autumn parliamentary election on October 15, is a multifaceted endeavor by the Polish government to engage the populace on critical policy matters. Another two questions have been announced in recent days, signifying a comprehensive effort to gauge citizens’ perspectives.
The question put forth for referendum consideration will be: “Do you support the admission of thousands of illegal immigrants from the Middle East and Africa under the forced relocation mechanism imposed by the European bureaucracy?”
The European Union’s response to the migrant crisis has culminated in the endorsement of a plan by interior ministers in June. This strategy aims to equitably distribute the responsibilities of handling unauthorized migrants arriving in Europe, a longstanding issue that has engendered significant political tensions. The arrangement aims to strike a balance between countries receiving the majority of migrants for processing and those providing support, either financially or by hosting refugees.
However, Poland’s stance on immigration has often clashed with EU directives, with disputes arising over perceived democratic erosion linked to changes in the nation’s judiciary and media. This ongoing discord has contributed to the Polish government’s determination to maintain its sovereign decision-making authority in matters of immigration and governance.
The proposed referendum casts a spotlight on Poland’s evolving relationship with the European Union and underscores the complexities surrounding migration management within the bloc. As the nation prepares for an important election cycle, the referendum is poised to be a significant tool in shaping the nation’s policies and political landscape.
