A ‘Polish Pride March’ is to be organized in the Silesian city of Katowice on 22 January to protest against Silesia becoming what the protestors say is becoming “anti-Polish”.

“Inhabitants of the industrial region of Silesia want to show that in their hearts Silesia is a part of Poland,” reads a note on the website of the National Revival of Poland (NOP), a far-right nationalist party.

Organizers of the march say that the demonstration will not be the party’s only, but open to all “Polish patriots”.

“We observe that Silesia has recently been guided by anti-Polish sentiments,” claims Artur Szlosarczyk from NOP, adding that Poles have many foes in their own country.

The National Revival of Poland used to be a member of the European National Front. NOP protests against the legalization of gay partnerships, Jews and the EU, which in their opinion, threatens the unity of Poland.

NOP says that the recent call by Silesian groups wanting autonomous status for the region also threatens the integrity of the country as a whole.

“By saying that they have support of the common people, the National Revival of Poland is trying to legitimize itself. They might as well say that that the Pope supports them,” says Boguslaw Zietek, leader of August 1980 trade union.

“Everyone has the right to protest and organize marches but I don’t agree that Silesia is Poland. Opawa, for example, belongs to Silesia but is situated in the Czech Republic,” Jerzy Gorzelik, leader of the Silesian Autonomy Movement told the Gazeta Wyborcza daily. (mg/pg)