Polish President Proposes Law to Ban Bandera Symbols Amid Controversy

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has proposed a controversial amendment to the Polish Criminal Code that seeks to equate the "Bandera symbol" with symbols associated with Nazism and communism. The announcement was made today, August 25, 2025, amid heightened tensions surrounding historical interpretations of nationalism in Eastern Europe.

The proposed law aims to ban the promotion of Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist leader whose legacy is contentious, particularly due to his association with wartime violence during World War II. The legislation also includes amendments to the law governing the Institute of National Remembrance, which plays a significant role in Poland"s historical narrative.

While the initiative has sparked debate, critics are concerned about the vague definition of what constitutes a "Bandera symbol," raising questions about enforcement and potential misuse. This proposal follows a series of related developments in Eastern Europe, where the interpretation of historical figures and symbols has become a flashpoint for political discourse.

The implications of this move could reverberate across Polish-Ukrainian relations and affect how history is taught and remembered in both countries. As previously reported, similar situations have arisen in other contexts, highlighting the complex interplay of history and national identity in contemporary politics.