On September 15, 2026, 21 Polish right-wing MPs proposed organizing a Polish Independence Day march in Lviv, Ukraine, sparking sharp criticism from officials and historians. The plan, backed by PiS, Confederation, and other far-right groups, faced rejection from ruling coalition figures who called it gross stupidity
and a potential diplomatic risk.
A group of 21 Polish right-wing MPs, including members of the Law and Justice (PiS) party and far-right groups like Confederation, submitted a parliamentary interpellation on August 28, 2026, urging the government to organize a Polish Independence Day march in Lviv on November 11. The proposal, authored by PiS MP Dariusz Matecki, argued that Polish institutions fund Ukrainian events in Poland, such as Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations, but fail to support the Polish minority in Lviv. The MPs called for official celebrations of [Polish] Independence Day in Lviv, including a Polish Independence March through the streets of the city
as a concrete sign of remembrance and solidarity with Poles living in Ukraine.
A Divided Response to the March Proposal
The initiative drew immediate backlash from within Poland. Krzysztof Bosak, a leader of Confederation, called the idea a “stunt” and “unnecessary,” arguing that the focus should be on engaging Ukrainian institutions rather than the Polish foreign ministry. The appeal should be directed at Ukrainian institutions, not the Polish foreign ministry,
he said, adding that the proposal lacked clarity. Meanwhile, Marek Bernacki, a Polish Peasants’ Party MP, labeled the plan “madness” and warned it could harm Polish-Ukrainian relations. Critics also questioned the feasibility of organizing a march in Lviv, a city under Ukrainian sovereignty and a frequent target of Russian attacks, without a detailed security plan.
Ukrainian groups, including the Memory and Justice – Association of Descendants of Ukrainian Victims of Polish Repression,
condemned the proposal as a political provocation.
The organization stated that the initiative has nothing to do with good-neighborly relations
and urged Poland to reject it. However, it acknowledged the Polish community in Ukraine’s right to preserve its culture. The Ukrainian government has not publicly commented on the proposal, though tensions between the two nations have risen in recent months over historical disputes, including Poland’s 2026 decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over his recognition of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
Historical Tensions and Contemporary Politics
Lviv, historically part of Poland, was transferred to Ukraine after World War II. The city’s complex heritage has long been a flashpoint for Polish-Ukrainian relations. The proposed march reignited debates over historical grievances, with some Polish lawmakers emphasizing the historical ties between the Polish community and Lviv.
However, Ukrainian officials and historians have repeatedly stressed that Lviv is an inseparable part of Ukraine, and any foreign political demonstrations there risk inflaming tensions. The Polish government’s 2026 decision to revoke Zelenskyy’s honor, citing his support for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, further strained bilateral ties, complicating the context of the march proposal.
Poland’s traditional Independence Day march in Warsaw, which attracted 100,000 participants in 2025, has become a symbol of national identity. The proposed Lviv event, however, has been framed as an extension of domestic political battles rather than a genuine gesture of solidarity. PiS and far-right groups have long criticized the ruling coalition’s foreign policy, and the march proposal aligns with their broader narrative of asserting Polish influence abroad. Yet, the lack of clear support from within the opposition parties raises questions about the initiative’s viability.
Uncertainty Over the March’s Fate
No official decision has been made regarding the march, and the Polish government has not confirmed plans to proceed. The interpellation remains a parliamentary request, not a binding directive. The Ukrainian authorities have not yet responded to the proposal, leaving the future of the event uncertain. Analysts note that the initiative’s success depends on both Polish political will and Ukrainian cooperation, neither of which is guaranteed. As of September 16, 2026, the debate highlights the fragile balance between historical memory, national identity, and diplomatic relations in the region.
The proposal also underscores deeper divisions within Poland’s political landscape. While right-wing factions view the march as a necessary act of cultural and historical assertion, critics argue it risks undermining Poland’s strategic partnerships and fueling regional instability. With Ukrainian and Polish leaders navigating a complex web of historical disputes and military alliances, the march remains a contentious symbol of a broader geopolitical struggle.