Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz unveiled a new proposal for the SAFE program on March 20, vowing to finalize it despite anticipated opposition and constitutional concerns.
PSL’s Alternative Proposal Addresses Constitutional Concerns
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the Polish People’s Party (PSL) proposal during an online discussion with internet users. He stated the project will address constitutional concerns raised regarding the President’s initial SAFE legislation.
Kosiniak-Kamysz guaranteed the funds would be allocated to the military and national security.
Expanded Beneficiaries Beyond the Military
The PSL’s project will designate additional funds not only for the military but also for the police, Border Guard, and other security services. Kosiniak-Kamysz affirmed his commitment to completing the program, anticipating resistance and threats, but stating he will not be deterred.
National Bank of Poland Profits Earmarked for Security
Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed hope that profits from the National Bank of Poland (NBP) would be directed to the state budget and allocated to security if realized. He also voiced confidence in the credibility of NBP President Adam Glapiński’s declarations regarding potential profits, reiterating the funds would support the military and security.
Addressing Sejm Speaker’s Reservations
Kosiniak-Kamysz assured that the PSL’s proposal would resolve the concerns of Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Czarzasty had previously refrained from assigning a number to the presidential bill concerning the Polish Investment Defense Fund, citing a lack of identified funding sources.
Previous Analysis Revealed Constitutional Doubts
Earlier, the presidential project was sent to the Legislative Bureau and the Bureau for Expert Analysis and Regulatory Impact Assessment. Czarzasty reported “very serious doubts” regarding the bill’s constitutionality, noting that the constitution reserves legislative initiative for the Council of Ministers in cases involving state financial guarantees.
Nawrocki and Glapiński’s Initial Proposal
Last week, President Andrzej Duda vetoed the government’s bill implementing the EU SAFE mechanism. In response, the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution regarding the Polish Armed Forces Program, authorizing the Minister of National Defense, Minister of Finance, and Economy to represent the Polish government in signing the SAFE loan agreement with Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) for the Armed Forces Support Fund. The BGK’s financial obligations would be guaranteed by the State Treasury.
Previously, President Nawrocki and NBP President Glapiński proposed an alternative, suggesting revaluation of Poland’s gold reserves through active reserve management to generate substantial profits, potentially reaching 197 billion złoty, earmarked solely for defense.