President Karol Nawrocki announced that he has not signed the amendment to the law on assistance for Ukrainian citizens. He stated that the 800+ benefit should be granted exclusively to Ukrainians employed in Poland. He also declared legislative initiatives regarding the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and equating Banderist symbols with Nazi and communist imagery.
Zbigniew Bogucki, Karol Nawrocki
Bartosz Lewicki
Reklama
– The legislation on aid to Ukrainian citizens fails to implement the corrections debated publicly. My position remains unchanged: the 800+ allowance should benefit solely those Ukrainians engaged in professional activities within Poland,– emphasized the president.
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Earlier, during legislative discussions, PiS lawmakers sought to link the 800+ payments for Ukrainians to employment or business activity in Poland, alongside stricter citizenship requirements. These proposals were ultimately rejected.
The proposed amendments aimed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 4, 2026. They also clarified eligibility criteria for the 800+ benefit to include children completing secondary school before age 18 while fulfilling educational obligations through higher education or vocational courses.
President Proposes Equating “Banderist Symbols” with Nazi and Communist Imagery
Karol Nawrocki further revealed plans for legal changes to criminalize “Banderist symbols” alongside Nazi and communist emblems in the penal code. – We must unequivocally state: end Bandera ideology – he asserted.
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– To counter Russian propaganda and foster genuine Polish-Ukrainian partnership rooted in mutual respect, our legislative proposal must clearly oppose Bandera-inspired movements. This includes classifying Banderist symbols as equivalent to those of German National Socialism, Soviet communism, and revising the IPN Act concerning OUN-UPA crimes,– the president elaborated.
He added that these measures serve Poland’s national interests and bilateral relations with Ukraine, which should be grounded in justice, truth, and resistance to Russian disinformation.
Incident at Warsaw’s National Stadium: OUN-UPA Symbols Displayed
In mid-August, flags bearing OUN-UPA symbols appeared among attendees during a concert by Belarusian rapper Maks Korż at Warsaw’s National Stadium.
Police responded, confirming investigations into prohibited acts. – Officers are identifying those responsible for displaying potentially illegal slogans. Evidence will be submitted to prosecutors for legal assessment,– stated a police communiqué.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński later addressed the issue. – After reviewing footage, proceedings involve three flags with totalitarian characteristics. Outcomes are expected shortly. Everyone violating the law will face consequences,– he affirmed. He warned that non-residents involved could face deportation. – The evidence is already with prosecutors, and we will pursue this rigorously,– he vowed.
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The following day, a Ukrainian citizen named Dmitry issued a public apology via social media. – I apologize to anyone offended by the Warsaw incident. My actions weren’t tied to any regime’s propaganda. The flag symbolized solidarity with Ukraine amid Russian aggression and support for our military,– he explained, expressing gratitude to Poles for their assistance.
Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the President’s Chancellery, clarified post-conference that penalties for promoting Banderist ideology mirror those for Nazi or communist propaganda. – Proposed IPN Act revisions ensure prosecutors can effectively address anti-Polish acts through legal measures,– he concluded.
