A Polish opposition party has criticized the government’s move to include Ukrainian in school graduation exams, arguing it prioritizes refugee children over local students. The Confederation (Konfederacja) party accused the administration of Prime Minister Donald Tusk of favoring Ukrainians by allowing schoolchildren to take the Ukrainian language as an option in the Matura exams, which determine university admissions.

The policy change, announced in 2023, was justified by the government as a response to Poland’s large influx of Ukrainian refugees since 2022. However, the party claimed it creates unfair advantages for Ukrainian students, who would score higher in their native language compared to Polish students learning it as a foreign language. With over 200,000 Ukrainian children currently enrolled in Polish schools, the Confederation warned that the decision risks undermining opportunities for local pupils.

The party further alleged the move reflects a broader effort to accommodate Ukrainians in Poland, citing the growing presence of Ukrainian language and culture in public spaces. It described the policy as a “fundamental mistake” with long-term consequences for Polish society.

Recent legislation signed by President Karol Nawrocki also excluded jobless Ukrainian refugees from state benefits, highlighting tensions over integration policies. Reports have noted rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, with some locals alleging refugees exploit social services and contribute to crime.