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Most Poles say politicians misinform on migration, survey shows

22.10.2025 14:00
Sixty-eight percent of Poles say politicians do not provide reliable information about the scale, challenges and opportunities of migration, while 10% disagree, a new survey for More in Common Polska found.
A migrant looks on at La Restinga port after arriving on board a small boat in El Hierro Island, Canary Islands, Spain, 20 October 2025. Some ten migrants from Senegal, including four minors, reached La Restinga on the small boat on 20 October.
A migrant looks on at La Restinga port after arriving on board a small boat in El Hierro Island, Canary Islands, Spain, 20 October 2025. Some ten migrants from Senegal, including four minors, reached La Restinga on the small boat on 20 October. Photo: EPA/GELMERT FINOL

Respondents also fault politicians for how they frame the topic. Only 24% believe public statements strike the right balance; 50% say problems are discussed too rarely and 26% say benefits are addressed too rarely.

Views split along ideology: people with left, center-left and centrist views want to hear more about benefits from growing migration, while those identifying as center-right or right want more discussion of problems, the report said.

Forty-six percent say politicians talking about foreigners resort too often to harmful stereotypes (21% “strongly agree,” 25% “rather agree”). A quarter disagree (11% “strongly,” 14% “rather”), and 28% have no opinion.

Sensitivity to the tone of political language has grown. In November 2024, 38% agreed elites used inadequate language about migration—eight percentage points lower than now.

Trust in information sources is also shifting. Forty-two percent consider internet and social media information on migration more reliable than television, radio or print, while 32% view traditional media as more credible.

On policy, 52% see opening integration centers for foreigners as a good idea (27% say bad). A majority, 51%, say the state should support the integration of immigrants and refugees; 29% disagree.

The authors conclude that Poles expect a serious, responsible debate; they say current political and media messages often rely on stereotypes and lack reliability, obscuring both the benefits and the problems linked to migration.

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Source: PAP