Poland’s PSL party has revised President Duda’s “SAFE Zero Percent” proposal, prompting a “private opinion” from PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński regarding potential support.
PSL Proposal and Kaczyński’s Stance
PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński stated on Friday in the Sejm that the matter is under consideration, emphasizing his comments are a “private opinion” and no decision has been made regarding support.
The Polish People’s Party (PSL) submitted a corrective project to the presidential “SAFE zero proc.” proposal to the Sejm on Tuesday. Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that the PSL’s project expands the scope of the Polish Defence Investment Fund.
Government Authority and Constitutional Concerns
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted attention to services like the Police and Border Guard, cybersecurity, special services funding, and military healthcare. He affirmed the government “will have authority” within the fund, with representation from both the President and the Prime Minister.
The Minister of National Defence stated the government’s authority is constitutionally sound, contrasting it with perceived issues in the original proposal regarding decision-making responsibility.
Realizing “European SAFE” and Funding Sources
Kosiniak-Kamysz believes the project enables the realization of both “European SAFE” and the proposals from the NBP Governor and the President, framing it as a complement, not an alternative, to security measures.
Tusk Questions Funding, PSL Project Under Analysis
Prime Minister Donald Tusk identified the source of funding as a key question, specifically whether the National Bank of Poland (NBP) will have the projected profits. He stated any profits must be transferred to the state budget according to law.
Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced on Wednesday that the PSL’s project has been sent for analysis, awaiting a detailed opinion regarding its constitutional compatibility.
Background: The SAFE Program and Presidential Veto
The “SAFE zero proc.” proposal emerged while the government’s SAFE implementation bill awaited the President’s signature. President Duda and NBP Governor Glapiński suggested updating the valuation of Poland’s gold reserves through “active reserve management” to potentially generate substantial profits.
In response to the President’s veto, the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution on the Polish Armed Forces Program, authorizing the Ministers of National Defence, Finance, and Economy to represent the government in signing the SAFE loan agreement with the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the Armed Forces Support Fund (FWSZ). Diverting funds to the FWSZ may restrict their use to military purposes, potentially impacting funding for other services and infrastructure.
EU Funding Timeline
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated on Friday that the Commission still plans to disburse the first SAFE funds by the end of April. Poland is set to be the largest beneficiary of the SAFE program among 19 participating EU member states, allocated €43.7 billion for defense projects outlined in the Polish investment plan. The EU’s SAFE program, finalized on February 17th, provides €150 billion in support, including low-interest loans, primarily for military equipment procurement within Europe.
