Polish Solidarity Protest Disrupts Warsaw Transport

On 21 May, thousands of members of the NSZZ "Solidarność" trade union and farmers gathered in Warsaw under the slogan "Razem dla Polski i Polaków". The march, which began at Plac Zamkowy and passed the Presidential Palace, called for a national referendum on the EU Green Deal, higher public‑sector wages and protection of the agricultural market. Union leader Piotr Duda addressed the crowd, condemning the climate policy as a threat to the country.

The demonstration led to extensive traffic disruptions in central Warsaw. Police closed key streets, including the Royal Route, the area around the Sejm, and the bridge to the Praga district. Public transport was rerouted: several tram lines were diverted via the Gdański Bridge, bus routes were altered, and only the metro operated without interruption. Authorities urged residents to avoid the city centre and use alternative routes.