Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki announced on Monday that he had not signed an amendment to the law on aid for Ukrainian citizens.
That is reported by PAP, according to Ukrinform.
Nawrocki explained his decision, stating that the 800+ assistance program should be provided only to Ukrainians who work in Poland.
“The law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens that I received does not include amendments that have been publicly debated. I have not changed my opinion and I intend to fulfil my commitments. I believe that the 800+ benefit should only be available to Ukrainians who take up the challenge of working in Poland,” Nawrocki emphasized.
Earlier, during the legislative process, the Law and Justice party deputies proposed linking the 800+ payment for Ukrainians to employment or business activity in Poland and tightening the requirements for obtaining Polish citizenship. Their proposal was not adopted.
The amendment to the law on aid for Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict would have extended temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 4, 2026. It also clarified conditions for receiving 800+ assistance, including payments for children who leave secondary school before turning 18 and continue their education in higher education institutions or vocational courses.
On Monday, Nawrocki also announced a legislative initiative to equate the “Bandera symbol” in the Penal Code with Nazi and communist symbols.
“To counter Russian propaganda and build Polish-Ukrainian relations on the basis of genuine partnership, mutual respect, and sensitivity, I believe we should include a clear slogan in the draft law: ‘Stop Bandera-ism,’ and in the Penal Code equate the Bandera symbol with symbols representing German National Socialism, widely known as Nazism, and Soviet communism, as well as amend the law on the Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Investigation of Crimes against the Polish Nation regarding OUN-UPA crimes,” the Polish president said.
He added that these decisions serve the interests of the Polish national community and good relations with Ukraine, which should be built on justice, truth, and resistance to Russian propaganda.
Nawrocki also stated that the presidential draft would extend the citizenship process from 3 to 10 years and increase penalties for illegal border crossing to up to 5 years in prison.
As previously reported, Karol Nawrocki took the oath of office as President of Poland on August 6 before the National Assembly.
Photo: facebook/Karol Nawrocki
Source: Poland’s President refuses to sign amendment extending aid for Ukrainians
