Polish President Vetos Refugee Aid Extension Limits Benefits to Employed Ukrainians

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has taken a firm stance on aid and benefits for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, vetoing a government bill that would have extended assistance until March 2026. He insists that social justice requires aid, such as the 800+ monthly child allowance, to be limited only to Ukrainians who are officially employed in Poland, emphasizing that Polish citizens should be treated at least equally to refugees. Nawrocki has also proposed legislation to restrict Ukrainians' access to child support and healthcare and to ban the glorification of Stepan Bandera, a controversial Ukrainian nationalist leader. His position reflects growing public sentiment in Poland weary of the large number of Ukrainian refugees, despite Poland's longstanding support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion. The government's coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk opposes Nawrocki's proposals, which has led to political deadlock between the presidency and parliament. Nawrocki's veto and proposals underscore a nationalist approach prioritizing Polish residents' rights and seeking to renegotiate refugee aid policies amid shifting social and fiscal conditions.