Polish politician Dobromir Sośnierz clashed with colleagues during a live TV debate over Poland’s new SAFE program funding.
SAFE Program Passes Parliament
The Polish parliament (Sejm) passed the SAFE program bill on Friday (February 13). Poland is expected to receive approximately 43.7 billion euros from a 150 billion euro pool, making it the largest beneficiary. PiS and Confederation politicians voted against the bill.
Live TV Confrontation
During a Polsat News broadcast, journalist Agnieszka Gozdyra questioned Dobromir Sośnierz about Poland spending 200 billion zloty on military armaments without taking a low-interest loan. Sośnierz responded by suggesting cutting unnecessary state expenses, particularly social spending.
“Are You Clowning Around?”
Sośnierz then turned to Adrian Witczak, asking “Już pan pajacuje?” (Are you already clowning around?). He insisted on being able to use his speaking time normally without such “circus” behavior. Sośnierz emphasized that “the budget must be balanced” and “we cannot constantly borrow.”
Conflicting Views on Funding
Witczak criticized Confederation politicians’ views as “aberration,” highlighting billions flowing into the Polish economy for new drone factories and defense technologies. He assured that the government’s actions are “undoubtedly successful.” Gozdyra asked about alternative funding sources for the Polish army, to which Sośnierz questioned what’s attractive about being told to repay a loan without receiving money.
Parliamentary Vote Details
The bill received 236 votes in favor, 199 against, and 4 abstentions. It was supported by members of the Civic Coalition, Left, PSL, Poland 2050, and Razem, as well as unaffiliated MPs Izabela Bodnar and Marcin Józefaciuk. Opponents included PiS MPs (except Paweł Jabłoński who abstained), Confederation Freedom and Independence, Confederation of the Polish Crown, and Direct Democracy (two MPs), as well as unaffiliated MP Marek Jakubiak.
SAFE Program Information
The Chancellery of the Prime Minister announced that Poland, as the largest beneficiary, will receive nearly 200 billion zloty, with 80% going to Polish firms. These are 3% loans to be repaid by 2070. The SAFE program is designed to utilize European funds on a massive scale for Polish defense industry and border protection. Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted this is tens of billions of euros in privileged loans, with Poland having a 10-year credit holiday without repaying the principal.
