The protests in Poland over the government’s plans to further tighten abortion restrictions began in October – they haven’t stopped since. Now, some are calling it the “cardboard revolution” in reference to the handmade placards that have become a distinctive feature of the protests. But what’s novel about the movement isn’t the ubiquitous signage – it’s the young age of its participants.
When looking through the crowds at the protests, it quickly becomes clear that most participants appear to be in their early twenties. That might explain the radicalism of the movement’s chants and slogans, but also it’s creativity and spontaneity. In Poznań, Gdańsk, Kraków, and Warsaw, young Poles used techno to soundtrack their marches, prompting a rare sight at Polish demonstrations – dancing. Young protesters also organised mass bicycle and motorcycle rides and even Halloween-themed actions in which people dressed up and held signs reading “Trick or free choice”, in reference to the key demand of the protests – free access to abortion.
As one of the organisers told us, “Now there is a completely different kind of energy. It’s wonderful. They are young people and they have no fear of taking to the streets and fighting for their rights.”
