Government spokesman Adam Szłapka slams President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the SAFE defense program as a betrayal of national security.
SAFE Program Overview
SAFE is a €150 billion program offering interest-free loans for military equipment, supporting EU states in bolstering their defensive capabilities. Poland, the largest beneficiary, has requested €43.7 billion for 139 projects, including air defense systems and drone technology.
Financed through non-repayable loans for the first 10 years, with repayment terms extending to 45 years, the program aims to counter Russian threats and address US uncertainty in European security.
Government’s Reaction
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka condemned the veto as “an act of national betrayal” undermining Poland’s security. He criticized PiS politicians for prioritizing party interests over national defense, stating, “They are deeply coded in their minds that only PiS interests matter.”
Szłapka emphasized SAFE was developed under Poland’s EU presidency without initial objections from PiS, highlighting a sudden shift in political narrative against generals and expert consensus.
President’s Veto Rationale
President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the SAFE legislation, calling it an “enormous foreign credit” over 45 years that would burden future generations. He asserted, “Polish security cannot depend on foreign decisions,” citing loss of control over defense funding.
Nawrocki proposed an alternative “polski SAFE zero-percent” program backed by the National Bank of Poland, submitting a bill to the Sejm for a Polish Fund for Defense Investments.
Political Fallout
Donald Tusk canceled his TVP appearance hours before broadcast after the President announced an evening address. Sejm deputy Włodzimierz Czarzasty stated the chamber would not process the President’s bill until the SAFE-related legislation process concludes.
The veto has intensified tensions, with the government accusing the President of undermining Poland’s military industry and security partnerships.
