Poland: Dispute over Silesian Minority | European Journal

An old debate is stirred again as Silesians question their national heritage. Rightwing conservatives in Poland feel national unity is threatened, minorities feel discriminated against.The dispute was unleashed by the former prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski. The nationalist politician said those who chose to describe themselves as 'Silesian' in the recent census were selecting a 'disguised option for Germany'. While most Silesians would never consider breaking away from Poland, they say they don't want to be treated as second-class citizens.