Poland’s ruling PiS party unveiled an alternative security plan at a convention in Stalowa Wola, challenging the EU’s SAFE program.
PiS Convention Focuses on Security
On Saturday, February 21, the PiS party held its program convention in Stalowa Wola (Podkarpackie province), with Poland’s security as the main topic. The party presented proposals to ensure security, including increased defense funding, regulations to support Polish industry, army modernization, and joining the Nuclear Sharing program.
To finance these measures, PiS wants the defense budget to be used exclusively for military purposes and for military debt to be repaid outside the ministry’s budget. The party also suggests allocating 1.5% of PIT to defense and introducing a banking tax for the army.
SAFE Program Criticism
According to PiS, their program is an alternative to the EU’s SAFE program, of which Poland could be the biggest beneficiary with over 43 billion euros in loans for rearmament. Prime Minister’s Office stated that these funds would be used for eastern border protection systems, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, command and communication systems, specialized equipment, and cybersecurity systems.
However, Mariusz Błaszczak evaluated SAFE as a “loan mechanism” that would “hold countries by the chain” that dare to pursue independent foreign policy and reject certain ideologies. “We must not allow Poland to enter this mechanism,” said the PiS MP.
Government Response to PiS
“Błaszczak knows he’s lying about the SAFE program. A deliberate action to harm Polish industry,” wrote Adam Szłapka on X. The government spokesman also emphasized that the SAFE program is an investment in Poland’s security. “Blocking it at a time of threat is political irresponsibility for which history will judge,” Szłapka noted.
The response also included ironic comments. “Which Błaszczak will Mariusz be today? The one who says SAFE is an opportunity, or the one who votes against 20 billion zł for the Huta in Stalowa Wola?” asked the spokesman.
