Presidential candidate vows to put Poles first over Ukrainians
- In response to the ongoing political campaign, candidates are adjusting their messages to appeal to voter concerns.
- Polls show a significant decrease in support for aiding Ukrainian refugees, marking a change in public sentiment over time.
- Karol Nawrocki plans to prioritize Polish citizens, indicating a political shift as Poland approaches the presidential elections.
In Poland, the political landscape has significantly shifted as the country prepares for its presidential election on May 18, 2025. Early in 2022, during Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees, receiving them with great sympathy and support. However, recent polling data indicates a decline in enthusiasm for aiding Ukrainians, with support for helping them dropping from 94% in February 2022 to 57% by December 2024. This shift has led some political candidates to adapt their platforms, focusing more on the needs of Polish citizens, amidst historical memories of Russian aggression towards Poland. Conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance and affiliated with the Law and Justice party, has notably promised to enact legislation prioritizing Polish nationals in access to public services such as healthcare and education. This pledge has come in response to rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment and the perception among some voters that support for Ukrainians may be compromising the welfare of Polish people. Nawrocki's rhetoric mirrors a broader trend that indicates growing fatigue with supporting Ukrainian refugees, with public sentiment evolving as Poles recall historical crimes inflicted upon them by Russians during previous conflicts. Despite this, there remains a debate regarding the contributions of Ukrainians to Polish society; some argue that Ukrainians help bolster the economy and contribute positively to Polish communities. Reports of tensions have surfaced but are generally not reflective of the daily coexistence which has been characteristic of Polish-Ukrainian relations since the onset of the crisis. Conversations around prioritizing Polish citizens over Ukrainians continue to fuel strong emotions in a nation grappling with identity and solidarity.