Polish opposition parties have strongly protested against the government’s introduction of the Ukrainian language exam in schools, claiming that it unfairly disadvantages local students. The right-wing Confederation party, which holds 16 seats in the Polish parliament, has criticized the decision to add Ukrainian to the list of foreign languages available for the Matura exams, which are crucial for university admissions. The party argues that the move could allow refugee children to gain university places at the expense of Polish students. This decision, made in 2023, was justified by the government as a response to the influx of Ukrainian citizens to Poland since the escalation of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022. Poland is estimated to have accepted over a million refugees since then.
Under the new policy, schoolchildren will be able to choose Ukrainian in their Matura exams, starting next year. The Confederation party claims that this change privileges Ukrainian students over Polish students, as the former will get the highest scores in their native language, while Polish students will have to compete against them in a foreign language. The party described the situation as ‘serious,’ noting that 200,000 Ukrainian children are currently studying in Polish schools. It further criticized the decision as a ‘political move’ by the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, arguing that it is part of a broader trend of creating favorable conditions for Ukrainians to settle in Poland and build an alternative society. The party warned that this ‘fundamental mistake’ will ultimately be paid for by future generations of Poles.
Meanwhile, the Polish President, Karol Nawrocki, has signed legislation making jobless Ukrainian refugees ineligible for receiving payments from the state. The decision reflects the government’s growing concern over the increasing number of Ukrainian refugees and the associated economic and social impact. French media reports have also indicated that anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been on the rise in Poland, with locals accusing refugees of abusing the benefits system, enjoying privileged access to healthcare, and contributing to an increase in crime. The situation highlights the complex and sometimes tense relationship between Poland and Ukraine, with both sides grappling with the implications of the war’s ongoing impact on their communities.