Controversial Polish politician Grzegorz Braun to visit Vilnius with 50-person delegation

A delegation of around 50 members from Poland’s Crown Confederation, led by controversial politician Grzegorz Braun, plans to arrive in Vilnius, an LRT.lt investigation confirmed with Braun’s office. However, key details of the visit remain undisclosed, with organisers stating the exact meeting location with Lithuania’s Polish minority will only be announced at the last moment due to “recent signals from Vilnius.”

Earlier reports suggested the event would take place at the Franciscan Monastery, but monks denied any involvement, cancelling a reserved hall after learning the nature of the gathering.

Braun’s visit extends beyond a single meeting—he also intends to participate in the annual March of Polish Identity, a key event for Lithuania’s Polish community. Organised by the Union of Poles in Lithuania (ZPL), the march marks Constitution Day on May 3 and traditionally concludes with a mass at the Gate of Dawn.

ZPL chairman Waldemar Tomaszewski told LRT.lt that Braun is not an official guest, and the event remains open to all, governed by its established regulations.

The visit has sparked tensions due to Braun’s past inflammatory remarks about Lithuania, including a social media post where he called the country a “small, empty, anti-Polish, Bismarckian, Anglo-Saxon, and Jewish construct” unworthy of Polish military defence. Such rhetoric drew widespread criticism in Poland for violating public discourse norms and bilateral relations.

Political scientist Marius Antonowicz of Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science told LRT.lt that Braun’s trip targets fringe voters in Poland. “This is an attempt to mobilise a niche electorate. The border is open—it’s a signal to voters: ‘I’m the one who fights for your interests beyond Poland’s borders.’” He warned of potential provocations or counter-demonstrations, urging security services to prepare.

Lithuanian authorities have responded cautiously. The Foreign Ministry stated it had no prior information about the visit, while the State Security Department (VSD) said last Thursday it saw no direct threat to national security from Braun’s activities—though his statements may conflict with Lithuania’s interests.