Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed surprise that opposition parties voted against the SAFE program, claiming fear blinded them to Poland’s interests.
Sejm Votes on SAFE Program
On Friday, February 13, the Sejm adopted the SAFE program law. 439 MPs participated in the voting on the implementation of the EU program. 236 parliamentarians voted in favor, 199 were against, and 4 abstained.
Tusk’s Reaction
Donald Tusk addressed the issue during a Friday press briefing. “In my opinion, fear simply completely blinded them. That is, they voted today against the most vital interests of Poland only because they don’t want to lend a hand to what is an obvious success for Poland and my government,” said the prime minister, cited by TVN24. “I am absolutely surprised. I won’t say I’m in shock, because I’ve seen various things, but that in 24 hours they prepared such a campaign of lies and vilification of this project only because they don’t want to reconcile with the fact that Poland has achieved success,” he added. The prime minister announced that in this matter he would wait for President Karol Nawrocki’s decision.
Prime Minister’s Post
The prime minister published a post: “The masks have fallen.” Earlier, the prime minister wrote on the X platform that “the masks have fallen, and Law and Justice and Confederation voted against Poland’s security, a modern army, and the domestic arms industry.” In the post on the X platform, the head of government stated that such a position goes beyond a standard political dispute and – as he wrote – means acting against Polish independence.
About the SAFE Program
The SAFE program introduces a new EU financial instrument for defense-related purchases. The regulations are to introduce a new EU financial instrument for defense purchases into the Polish legal system. From the fund worth 150 billion euros, Poland is to receive almost one third, or nearly 44 billion euros. These will be low-interest loans on preferential terms. After all procedures are finalized, Poland will still have to sign a loan agreement, which is to take place next month, and then at the end of March or early April receive a 15% advance payment, amounting to 6 billion 300 million euros. Poland’s plan includes over 130 projects.
Planned Projects
The list includes, among others, the Eastern Shield, drones, anti-drone systems, production of multi-caliber ammunition, anti-aircraft missile systems, and howitzers. There are also projects increasing cybersecurity and supporting the protection of critical infrastructure. Over 80% of the invested money will remain in Poland and will contribute to the development of the Polish arms industry. Warsaw negotiated that in the first year it will be able to finance its own already started investments, although the requirement to use the fund is a project implemented by at least two countries.
