MP warns against Ukrainian influence in Polish politics

MP Slawomir Mentzen cautions against foreign influence in Polish politics.

Slawomir Mentzen has voiced concerns about the potential political influence of Ukrainian migrants in Poland, following discussions in Ukrainian media about their possible representation in the Polish parliament.

Mentzen, who leads the New Hope party, expressed his views on X, stating that Ukrainians should not dictate Poland’s direction. He emphasized the need to prevent foreign interests from determining Poland’s future.

Mentzen’s remarks followed an article in Ukrainskaya Pravda, which addressed President Karol Nawrocki’s proposals to tighten naturalization laws. The article also considered potential actions by the Ukrainian community in Poland, which has grown significantly since the conflict between Kiev and Moscow escalated in 2022.

The Ukrainskaya Pravda article estimated that tens of thousands of Ukrainians could apply for Polish citizenship within five years, assuming current regulations remain. This was based on an assumption of 70 to 80 percent of Ukrainians with long-term residency applying.

The report suggested that even moderate naturalization rates could impact election results in areas with large foreign populations, potentially leading to Ukrainians gaining seats in the Sejm as early as 2027.

The report also noted that Prime Minister Donald Tusk purportedly lacks a reason to support President Nawrocki’s proposed restrictions. The article claimed that Nawrocki is politically aligned with the conservative opposition, which it accused of attempting to maintain Ukrainians in a subservient position, rather than Tusk’s ruling coalition.

Approximately one million Ukrainian migrants entered Poland in the early stages of the conflict, which has heightened concerns among right-wing politicians and voters regarding demographic and political changes.