Krakow is set to host conflicting tributes today as Poland marks the first anniversary of the funeral of the late President Kaczynski and his wife Maria, with both a march honouring the fallen and a counter-demonstration being planned.

The plans revive the divisive atmosphere that preceded the funeral last year, when there were vehement expressions of disdain when it was announced that the Church had sanctioned the burial of the presidential couple in Wawel Cathedral, Poland’s national shrine.

“I was of the opinion, and I continue to be of the opinion, that it was a mistake to entomb President Lech Kaczynski at Wawel,” said Civic Platform MP Jacek Nizinkiewicz over the weekend.

Nevertheless, a significant portion of the nation backed the funeral arrangements, which drew many international dignitaries, in spite of an Icelandic volcanic eruption and the ash cloud that occurred as a result.

This evening, a mass and a concert will take place at St Mary’s Basilica, where the funeral service was held last year.

Relatives of the 96 Poles who perished during the 10 April Smolensk air tragedy are the principal guests.

Meanwhile, the conservative newspaper, Gazeta Polska has also organised a respectful march down the time-honoured “Royal Way”, pausing at the Katyn cross, which marks the 1940 Soviet crime liquidation of Poles – the anniversary of which the president flew to commemorate on 10 April 2010.

The so-called Citizens Association of Wawel, which opposed the entombment amongst Poland's kings and heroes, is organising the counter-demonstration. (nh/jb)

Source: PAP/Onet