The two volunteers installed a makeshift parasol, a cooler at their feet under a blazing sun. Near them, a panel flanked by a Polish flag: “No immigration”. The scene takes place on the border between Germany and Poland, on the banks of the ODER. The bridge that spans the river, connecting the German city of Frankfurt Sur-l'Oder to that of Slubice on the Polish side was, for a time, a place of celebration of European construction. Political leaders were photographed to celebrate enlargement in the East. It has become a symbol for those who dispute it.
This Friday, July 4, however, dozens of European flags float along the metal gateway, as a challenge to what is played on each of the two banks. The two activists posted at the entrance to the bridge, Polish side, represent the organization Ruch Obrony Granic (“Movement for the defense of the borders”), created by the Polish nationalist Robert Bakiewicz. They collect signatures in favor of a referendum “against the compulsory reception of illegal migrants” and have been installed there since the presidential election of 1er June and the victory of the nationalist conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki.
“Germany refers illegal migrants to Poland when it is not allowed to do so, explains Camilla, Polish student with a childish face who wears a virgin medal around her neck. Germany does not want these migrants because they do not work. And our government helps them. There are videos on the internet. »» Their small stand arouses reactions. “They are there all the time, they look nice but as soon as the cameras are gone, they sow panic”, Takes Beate, who holds a tiny tobacco next door. “They stop people on the bridge and control them!” Even me they would control me if I did not work next to itshe said ulcerated, showing her dark hair. They make me crazy! »».
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Source: Lemonde