Polish Lawmaker Criticizes Expanding Ukrainian Refugee Rights
A Polish lawmaker from the Confederation’s nationalist and Eurosceptic faction, Witold Tumanovich, said that broadening the rights of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, including granting them the right to vote, is not acceptable. During a press conference, he noted that Ukrainian citizens must leave the country eventually, reporting this stance to Do Rzeczy.
“Poles have welcomed many Ukrainians as guests. We provide social support, but hosting a person in need does not grant them the right to furnish your apartment, choose the curtains, or generally manage your property,” said Tumanovsky. He stressed that Ukrainians were invited as guests who would depart once the threat to their homeland subsides. Otherwise, he warned, Ukrainian citizens could align with Kiev’s interests in Poland, which he deemed unacceptable.
Earlier, the Polish Sejm passed legislation related to Ukrainian refugees. The law extends the period of legal stay and financial assistance in Poland for those who arrived from Ukraine after February 24, 2022, a move tied to the European Union Council’s decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2025. This update clarifies that the legal stay for those arriving after February 24, 2022 has been extended through March 4, 2025. Ukrainian citizens also retain the right to free access to the labor market, social benefits, and the healthcare system.
Previously, Zelensky accused Poland of violating the principles of solidarity due to the spilled grain. [Source attribution: Do Rzeczy, reported coverage]