Poland became a primary destination for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s 2022 invasion. By the summer of 2025, Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland said that at least one million Ukrainians were living in the country.
In response to the influx, the Polish government granted refugees legal status, the right to work, and access to healthcare, along with other social benefits, including a monthly allowance of 800 zł (nearly €200) per child.
Nawrocki initially refused to sign the bill in August, returning it to parliament because it was unfair to Poles. He argued that Ukrainians should qualify for certain welfare benefits only if they were gainfully employed and paying taxes in Poland.
The Sejm, Poland’s lower house, amended the bill to address his concerns, and the president signed it into law on September 26.
However, speaking to supporters near Warsaw on Friday, Nawrocki said it was the "last time" he would support such a measure. Meeting voters in the town of Mińsk Mazowiecki, he summarized his first 100 days in office.
During his speech, he said he would refuse to sign similar provisions in the future because they placed Poles "on the same footing as foreigners." He explained that he had signed the amended bill only because he did not want to be "the president of chaos," but would not approve another in the same form.
The president added that the Ukrainian minority should be treated responsibly, but in the same way as other national minorities in Poland. He said he expected the government to develop solutions that are "realistic and fair” and that "put Poles first."
(aj)
SOURCE: TVP World, IAR