President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the government’s draft law on aid for Ukrainian citizens, citing the absence of provisions linking the 800 plus allowance for Ukrainian children to their parents’ legal employment in Poland. The move has caused tension within the ruling coalition and raised concerns about the legitimacy of funding Starlink for Ukraine.
President’s Veto and Proposed Amendments
President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a new amendment to the special law on aid for Ukrainian citizens, primarily because it did not include provisions tying the 800 plus allowance for Ukrainian children to whether their parents are legally employed in Poland. This presidential veto, which has angered and shocked the ruling coalition, could lead to significant complications. By the end of September, some Ukrainians will lose their right to stay in Poland (including work permits), and the government will lack a legal basis to fund Starlink for war-torn Ukraine, according to reports.
Additional Proposals in the President’s Bill
In addition to the government’s proposed adjustments—such as extending the right of stay for Ukrainian refugees until March 2025—the President’s veto included his own draft amendment. This proposal also introduces a criminal ban on promoting Banderist symbols in the Criminal Code, increases penalties for illegal border crossings from three to five years, and extends the process for granting Polish citizenship from three to ten years. These measures are tied to employment status or ZUS registration, the President’s advisor Adam Szłapka confirmed.
Coalition Disagreement Over the New Law
Time is limited to pass the new law, as current provisions expire on September 30. However, challenges may arise in the Sejm, particularly from the Left. The bloc opposes restrictions on the 800 plus allowance for Ukrainian families, arguing that parents currently employed in Ukraine—such as those serving on the frontlines or working as medical professionals—should not lose benefits. “We will not support any dismantling of the 800 plus system, nor will we penalize those seeking work,” said Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk.
Uncertainty from Poland 2050
Poland 2050, another political group, expressed doubts about the President’s proposals, though it has not yet issued a firm rejection. “The devil is in the details,” said a member of Szymon Hołownia’s party, highlighting potential complexities in the final bill’s wording.
Opposition Backs the President’s Solutions
While the ruling majority may seek support from PiS or the Confederation to compensate for missing votes, these groups prefer the President’s approach. A close ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured that a compromise draft will be prepared to secure Left Party approval, despite the ruling coalition’s opposition. The President’s bill is currently undergoing 30-day public consultations, delaying Sejm action until late September.
Potential Fallout for the Coalition
Left Party opposition to the government’s measures could further strain the coalition by October 15. Earlier in July, Prime Minister Tusk warned that ministers failing to support the government in the Sejm would face immediate resignation. Yet, coalition members remain divided, with internal disagreements over the alignment of symbols with totalitarian systems and other provisions in the bill.
Source: Gazeta, https://www.edziecko.pl/edziecko/0, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/granica#anchorLink], https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/premier#anchorLink]
