The Rising Tide of Xenophobia: Polish Government’s Pre-Election Anti-Migrant Stand

Polish Government Ups Anti-Migrant Rhetoric Ahead of Elections

Raising Concerns about Xenophobic Referendum and Threats to Common Values

As Poland prepares for national elections on October 15, the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) is utilizing a national referendum to legitimize its anti-migrant agenda. The Polish government passed a law in August that allows for this referendum to be held on the same day as the elections. This move raises concerns about the erosion of common values and the growing xenophobic rhetoric within the country.

Two out of the four questions in the referendum specifically focus on the government’s anti-migrant policies. These questions ask the public whether they want to admit “illegal immigrants” from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as whether they want to dismantle the barrier on the border with Belarus. The remaining two questions address the sale of state assets to foreign entities and raising the retirement age.

Misleading Information and Loaded Questions

What is particularly concerning is the misleading information contained in the explanatory annex accompanying the referendum. This information is designed to influence citizens to support the government’s anti-migrant agenda. It deliberately ignores the fact that the EU migration pact does not force any country to accept relocated migrants and that countries have the option to opt out of making solidarity payments for each migrant they refuse to relocate. Additionally, the pact provides an exception for countries facing migratory pressures, such as Poland, due to the presence of millions of Ukrainian refugees.

Similarities to Hungary’s Anti-LGBT Referendum

This referendum in Poland is reminiscent of Hungary’s anti-LGBT referendum, which took place on the same day as their national elections in April 2022. However, the Hungarian referendum was ultimately declared invalid, in part due to a successful civil society campaign encouraging people to invalidate their ballots. Similarly, civil society in Poland is engaged in a campaign urging citizens to boycott the referendum.

Concerted EU Action Necessary

This anti-migrant referendum, characterized by loaded questions and false information, highlights the pressing need for concerted action by the European Union. Article 7 of the EU treaty should be invoked to address the threat posed by Poland’s weakening rule of law, regardless of the outcome of the elections.

Editorial: The Dangerous Rise of Prejudice in Poland

The Polish government’s use of an anti-migrant referendum as a tool to consolidate power and spread xenophobic rhetoric is deeply troubling. It reflects a dangerous rise of prejudice within the country and threatens the core principles and values that the European Union stands for.

The deliberately misleading information provided in the explanatory annex is an affront to truth and transparency. By distorting the reality of the EU migration pact and failing to acknowledge the specific circumstances that Poland faces, the government is manipulating public opinion to advance its anti-migrant agenda.

Furthermore, the timing of the referendum, scheduled alongside the national elections, raises questions about the government’s intentions. It suggests a calculated strategy to exploit public sentiment and use anti-migrant sentiment as a potent political tool.

Defending Common Values

It is imperative that the European Union takes swift and decisive action to address Poland’s erosion of the rule of law and the rise of xenophobia. Article 7 of the EU treaty, which allows for a suspension of a member state’s voting rights, must be considered as a potential recourse. This would serve as a strong message that the EU will not tolerate the undermining of shared values and principles.

Advice: Supporting Civil Society and Encouraging Engagement

In the face of this disturbing trend, it is crucial to support and amplify the work of civil society organizations within Poland. These groups play a vital role in countering xenophobia, promoting inclusivity, and defending human rights. They need financial and moral support to continue their efforts in raising awareness, organizing campaigns, and fostering dialogue among diverse groups.

Furthermore, citizens should be encouraged to stay engaged and exercise their democratic rights. Boycotting the referendum, as advocated by civil society organizations, is one way to demonstrate opposition to the government’s anti-migrant agenda. However, citizens should also actively participate in other democratic processes, such as voting in the national elections, to ensure that their voices are heard and to contribute to the broader democratic conversation.

Ultimately, it is through a combination of international pressure, civil society activism, and informed citizen engagement that the dangerous rise of prejudice in Poland can be confronted and the country can return to upholding the shared values of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect.

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