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

A delegation of around 50 members from Poland’s Crown Confederation party, led by controversial politician Grzegorz Braun, will arrive in Vilnius this week, his office confirmed to LRT.lt.

The visit includes a public meeting on Friday evening at Vilnius’ Vincas Kudirka Square, followed by Braun’s participation in Saturday’s annual Polish Identity March through the city’s streets.

Meeting details and organisers’ message
The gathering is scheduled for May 1 at 7 PM, timed ahead of the Polish Identity March. Organisers describe it as an event for Poles both in Lithuania and abroad, framing it as a discussion on “issues important to Poles—whether they left their homeland or remained where their ancestors lived for generations.”

A statement from Braun’s team emphasises themes of national identity and ties to Poland, invoking a “time of true independence” when “every Pole could find their place and living conditions in Poland.” The event’s announcement makes no mention of local permits, and Vilnius city officials told LRT.lt they had not issued any authorisation for the meeting and were unaware of its planning.

March participation and past controversies
Braun will also join the Polish Identity March, an annual event organised by the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania (LLRA-KŠS) to mark Poland’s May 3 Constitution Day. The march, a symbolic display of Polish identity and unity, traditionally concludes with a mass at the Gate of Dawn.

LLRA-KŠS leader Waldemar Tomaszewski confirmed Braun’s participation, noting the event is open to all but will follow established parade regulations. The march begins at noon on Saturday near the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) and proceeds toward the Gate of Dawn.

Braun’s visit has drawn attention due to his previous inflammatory remarks about Lithuania. In a social media post, he argued that Poland should not involve itself in Lithuania’s defence, calling the country a “small, empty, ugly anti-Polish, Bismarckian, Anglo-Saxon, and Jewish construct.” The comments sparked widespread criticism in Poland for violating public discourse norms.