Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a bill on aid for Ukrainian refugees, triggering a political storm in the Central European country, one of Kyiv’s closest allies in the fight against the Russian invasion.
Nawrocki, who has often raised sensitive historical issues between Warsaw and Kyiv, vetoed on Tuesday a bill that, starting October 1, would have denied Ukrainian refugees in Poland the right to work.
Critics argue that this move will push refugees into undeclared work, causing the Polish government to lose significant tax revenues.
On Monday, Nawrocki also announced plans to limit Ukrainian refugees’ access to child benefits and healthcare services.
Elected after a campaign echoing some of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, Nawrocki has pledged a “Poland First” policy, including restrictions on foreigners’ rights in the EU and NATO member state.
The conservative politician narrowly defeated liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in the June 1 elections, a major setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a close ally of Trzaskowski and outspoken supporter of Ukraine.
Although Nawrocki has expressed support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, he opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership — a stance increasingly shared among Poles, according to reports.
While Poles generally support Kyiv’s resistance to Russia, patience has been waning over the influx of around 1.5 million Ukrainian war refugees and the financial burden associated with them.
Nawrocki’s decisions have drawn criticism from pro-Ukraine voices within Poland’s government.
“His decision undermines economic stability, social cohesion, Poland’s international obligations, and the security of the entire country,” the Polish Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that vetoing the refugee aid bill could result in additional costs of $2.18 billion, putting further pressure on an already strained budget.
“This veto will benefit no one. Budget revenues will be lower and expenses higher than they are now,” the statement continued.
Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski wrote on X:
“In Russia, they are delighted with President Nawrocki’s efforts to block support for Ukraine!”
“We didn’t have to wait long for the new president’s actions that support Russian imperialism,” he added
