Sejm passes resolution opposing resettling migrants

The Sejm, the lower chamber of parliament, has adopted a resolution expressing a strong objection to the EU mechanism of relocating migrants or refugees. "The instruments of immigration policy should stay in the hands of Poland," the resolution read. As many as 267 MPs voted for, 158 were against and 14 abstained. The MPs criticized the decision of former Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz to host around 7,000 migrants under the relocation scheme agreed by the EU. MPs also blamed migrants for growing tensions in Europe. "It is particularly important from the viewpoint of growing social tensions caused by excessive migration from the Middle East to Europe." Full support for humanitarian and financial aid in the places affected by armed conflicts was expressed in the resolution.