Deputy Interior and Administration Minister Paweł Szefernaker criticized the government early on, saying in an interview with Radio Zet that the MEP from the opposition party had attacked the administration from the outset. The Commissioner for Refugees noted that international bodies value Poland’s ongoing aid to Ukrainians. They highlighted the government’s actions as a model of effective support on the international stage.
Ochoyska’s accusations
Janina Ochojska told wp.pl that the government failed to share basic data about refugees: how many need assistance, how many require benefits, and how many Ukrainian scientists and doctors are living in Poland. The Civic Platform MEP argued that the United Right government has faced organizational challenges from the start and that volunteers and civil society groups have been essential to keeping the system functioning under pressure.
The MEP claimed the government started with harsh criticism toward those helping refugees, while international organizations praising Poland’s refugee processes noted that the PESEL system has been effective from day one. Anyone wishing to stay longer in Poland has been registered, with photos and fingerprints on file, and there is also an online portal pracawpolsce.gov.pl for administrative matters.
– responds Ochoyska Shephernaker.
Ochojska stated that a complete legal framework for regularizing refugees’ stay has been created and procedures have been streamlined, which facilitated work for about 700,000 Ukrainians who found employment in Poland last year.
“Shepherd” notes.
Emancipation of refugees
As of March 1, changes to how the stay of Ukrainian refugees is financed have been introduced. Under the new rules, refugees will contribute to covering the costs associated with their stay in Poland.
Refugees living in collective housing—about 80,000 people remain in such arrangements—are still in transit toward self-sufficiency after a year of displacement due to the war.
– states Paweł Szefernaker.
The state cannot cover permanent residence costs for these individuals; they will start contributing to living expenses themselves.
He adds that the disabled, the elderly, and women raising children should receive exemptions from fees. He also notes that roughly 80 percent of those who reached Poland have found work.
What is the cost? The Aid Act, passed by the Sejm, set aside several billions of zlotys for humanitarian support—funds that were spent over the past year, including a benefit for Polish families who aided refugees.
– said the Radio Zet guest.
The Commissioner for Refugees criticized the EU for lacking coordinated, large-scale aid programs that could relieve the most affected countries amid the large wave of migration from Ukraine. The PiS politician believes that the EU’s allocation of 900 million PLN for a year to help Poland cope with the unprecedented influx is insufficient.
Regarding the EU, there should be an additional fund for refugees. It has not been created yet. Countries hosting refugees deserve extra support, he argues.
– appeals against Paweł Szefernaker.
The funds ought to be larger. The government cannot finance certain needs indefinitely. He appreciates that international bodies assisting refugees are stepping in to help.
he makes clear.
“Cela Plus”
Civic Platform leader Donald Tusk warned that after the elections a potential opposition government could take over the “Cela Plus” program, proposed as a countermeasure to alleged misappropriations within the ruling camp. The former prime minister threatened to pursue legal action against United Right politicians suspected of abusing their power since 2015.
“Please don’t joke. The opposition today has no program; they only chase headlines and try to incite emotions with such remarks. Anyone who makes mistakes will face accountability. We are working to govern as well as possible and not let the opposition’s emotions take over,” Shepherd states.
When opposition figures shout from the dais that “you will be locked up,” what could they be referring to, he asks.
What about Villa Plus? Which organizations that received funding operated illegally? They have no facts, so they won’t win in an argument. The government is changing Poland and will keep changing Poland, while the other side lacks viable arguments, according to his assessment.
– evaluated the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.
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— Ambassador Brzezinski commends the deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration: “Side by side, we can help. We’re proud of this collaboration.”
— Szefernakar: We showed the world that challenges can be met, and no administration could do it without society’s support.
– Chefnaker: support for refugees will stay at planned levels, with PLN 12 billion allocated for refugees from Ukraine and related aid for Poland.
pn/Radio Zet/Twitter