Europe's far-right groups gathered in Poland: Extensive security measures in the capital, Police alerted

The traditional nationalist march in Poland, held in the capital Warsaw as part of November 11 Independence Day, started in the shadow of increasing political tension across the country.

Thousands of people gathered in the city center for the march, which was heavily attended by far-right groups. While representatives of nationalist movements from different European countries are expected to attend the demonstration, the police took extensive security measures in the capital against possible incidents.

This year's march, organized with the slogan "Poles are the hosts in Poland", brought the debates between right-wing parties and center political movements in the country back to the agenda.

The march was organized after the shooting attack in the main square of the city of Krakow, in which six people lost their lives.

Government officials' statement that the attacker may have been influenced by far-right ideology caused a reaction from nationalist groups.

Revelations about the possible political motivation behind the attack further increased polarization in the country.

Following the developments, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for moderation, especially for groups that will participate in Independence Day events.

CALL FOR "COMMON VALUES" FROM PRIME MINISTER TUSK

Speaking in the city of Szczecin in northwestern Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that political differences should not come before common values such as the country's independence and security.

Tusk also addressed the people who will participate in the march in Warsaw and said:

"We can have different views, we can control each other, and at times we can also be political rivals. But everyone who really cares about Poland must understand that independence, freedom and a secure republic are our common values."

Tusk's statement came at a time when tensions between the government and nationalist movements were increasing.

EUROPE'S EXTREME RIGHT-WAY GROUPS IN WARSAW

Organizers of the march announced that they expect participation to reach a record level this year.

It was stated that many nationalist and far-right groups from outside Poland will also attend the event.

Participants are expected to include members of the youth movement Revuelta, affiliated with Spain's far-right Vox party, and Hungary's far-right Mi Hazánk party.

While the organizers argued that the event should not be used for political purposes, they also reacted to the discussions surrounding the attack in Krakow.

Rafal Buca, one of the spokespersons of the march, said, "We condemn the political attacks related to this tragedy, whether they come from the right or the left."

"WE WANT A POLAND WITH A SINGLE ETHNIC IDENTITY AS POSSIBLE"

Organizer Spokesperson Rafal Buca, while explaining the basic demands of the march, argued that Poland should protect its national sovereignty.

Buca said, "We want a sovereign Poland, independent from foreign capitals."

Expressing his views on the demographic structure of the country, Buca said, "At the same time, we envision a Poland with as much single-ethnic identity as possible."

These statements showed that the march was not only limited to independence celebrations, but also nationalist and ethnic identity-based political demands came to the fore.

POLICE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES IN THE CAPITAL

Warsaw police announced that additional security forces had been deployed from outside the capital ahead of the march.

While no information was given about the number of police officers assigned, concrete barriers were placed around the square in the city center where the march will begin.

Security teams carried out checks in areas where demonstrators would gather and on surrounding streets.

Despite the cloudy weather, thousands of people gathered in the city center with Polish flags.

THE MARCH HAS BEEN THE STAGE OF EVENTS BEFORE

The Independence Day march, held every year on November 11 in Poland, has caused political controversy and violence in the past.

Authorities have tried to prevent the march from being held in previous years due to clashes between some participants and opposing groups and the police.

While central political movements argue that the demonstration paves the way for the spread of racist and antisemitic views, the organizers deny these accusations.

Organizers state that the march was organized to celebrate Poland's independence, sovereignty and national identity.

Security measures were further tightened at this year's march due to rising political tensions following the shooting attack in Krakow.