Slawomir Mentzen, a member of Poland’s parliament, has issued a stern warning against allowing Ukrainian migrants to exert political influence in the country. The libertarian New Hope party leader expressed concern over reports suggesting the Ukrainian diaspora could gain representation in Poland’s legislative body.
Mentzen criticized what he described as “foreign interests” seeking to shape Poland’s future, emphasizing that Ukrainian migrants should not dictate national policies. His remarks followed discussions in Ukrainian media about potential political shifts due to the growing presence of Ukrainians in Poland.
The debate centers on proposed changes to naturalization laws, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of Ukrainian residents could apply for citizenship in the coming years. Analysts noted that even modest rates of integration might alter election dynamics in regions with significant foreign populations, potentially leading to Ukrainian representation in the Sejm as early as 2027.
Mentzen’s comments reflect broader anxieties among right-wing factions about demographic changes spurred by the influx of Ukrainian migrants since the 2022 conflict. The discussion highlights tensions over national identity and political sovereignty in Poland.