Presidential Spokesman Denies Nawrocki’s Shift on SAFE, Accuses Government of Manipulation

On Tuesday, June 23, presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz refuted claims that Karol Nawrocki has changed his stance on the SAFE program, labeling government-circulated clips of the President’s remarks as misleading.

Clarification of the Presidential Stance

During an interview with Radio ZET on Tuesday, Rafał Leśkiewicz denied that President Nawrocki had changed his position regarding the European Union’s SAFE program. He emphasized that the President maintains his belief that the proposed “Polish SAFE 0%” project is a significantly better alternative.

Accusations of Digital Manipulation

Leśkiewicz criticized Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent social media activity, asserting that the Prime Minister is “weak at internet editing.” The spokesman noted that the video clip shared by the Prime Minister omitted critical context regarding the President’s legislative proposal. He dismissed the government’s narrative as a laughable manipulation.

Context of the Poland Future Summit

In a Monday address at the Poland Future Summit, Nawrocki discussed the necessity of providing support to the Polish defense industry. He expressed his belief that the parliamentary majority would eventually adopt his proposals, which are currently formulated under the framework of the “Polish SAFE 0%” bill.

Background on the SAFE Dispute

The controversy stems from the President’s March veto of legislation designed to implement the EU’s SAFE program, which provides low-interest loans for military procurement. While the government subsequently secured agreements for funding, Nawrocki countered with his own project, the Polish Defense Investment Fund. The government has consistently questioned the viability of the funding source proposed by the President—the profits of the National Bank of Poland—which remains a central point of political friction.