Polish Scholar Condemns Election Rhetoric as 'Festival of Racism' Amid Migrant Tragedy at Border
Polish academic Prof. Witold Klaus from the Polish Academy of Sciences criticised the recent election campaign as “a festival of racism,” asserting that candidates focused on fearmongering and disinformation rather than integration or celebrating migrants’ economic contributions.He emphasised that, despite Poland’s need for migrant labor, politicians chose fear over policies promoting migrant inclusion.
The campaign has reportedly exacerbated xenophobic discourse, particularly around the Polish–Belarusian border, where migrants continue to suffer and die amid harsh conditions. Human rights observers note rising tensions coupled with violent pushbacks and inadequate humanitarian support .
Prof. Klaus also highlighted a glaring mismatch in political rhetoric: while migrants are portrayed as threats, Poland’s economy faces growing labor shortages – meaning migrant workers are increasingly essential to sustaining the workforce. He criticised misleading claims presented to voters that stoked division instead of fostering understanding.
