Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to veto a bill on aid to Ukrainian refugees has created a political storm in the Central European nation, one of Kyiv's closest allies in its fight against Russia’s all-out invasion.
Nawrocki, who has often raised thorny historical issues between Warsaw and Kyiv, on August 26 vetoed a bill that would, beginning on October 1, deny Ukrainian refugees in the country the right to work -- which critics say will lead to undeclared work and the loss of tax revenue for the Polish government.
Nawrocki on August 25 also set out plans to limit access to child benefits and health care for Ukrainian refugees.
Nawrocki, who was elected following a campaign echoing some of US President Donald Trump's policies, has promised a "Poland First" policy, including putting limits on rights of foreigners in the European Union and NATO member nation.
SEE ALSO: Karol Nawrocki: Conservative Historian Wins Poland’s Presidential Election With Trump PlaybookThe conservative politician was elected after narrowly defeating the liberal mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, in a runoff election on June 1.
The election result dealt a major setback to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a close ally of Trzaskowski's and a vocal supporter of Ukraine.
Nawrocki, too, has voiced support for Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces. But he has said he opposes NATO membership for Ukraine, a view more and more Poles appear to share.
Although largely supportive of Kyiv's fight against Russia, many Poles have grown impatient with the influx of some 1.5 million Ukrainian war refugees and the related costs in the country.
The moves by Nawrocki sparked criticism among Ukraine supporters within the Polish government.
Nawrocki's "decision undermines the stability of the economy, social cohesion, Poland's international obligations, and the security of the entire country," the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: How Many Ukrainians Will Remain In Their Country After The War?The ministry added that the decision to veto the bill to aid Ukrainian refugees could create 8 billion zlotys ($2.18 billion) in additional costs, putting additional pressure on an already-stressed budget.
"No one will gain from this veto. Budget revenues will be lower and expenditures will be higher than now," it said.
Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski wrote on X that "in Russia, they are happy with President Nawrocki's efforts at blocking support for Ukraine!"
"We did not have to wait long for the new president's actions to support Russian imperialism," he added.