A heated parliamentary commission meeting on the EU’s SAFE program devolved into accusations of treason and collaboration with Russia, following a presidential veto.
Government Claims Veto Jeopardizes Security Funding
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that presidential vetoes have deprived the SAFE program of 7 billion złoty, but the government intends to utilize these funds through alternative mechanisms despite President Karol Nawrocki’s opposition.
Kierwiński affirmed that planned investments for the Police, Border Guard, and State Protection Service will proceed, asserting that “security cannot wait” and the veto “harms Polish security.”
SAFE Program Details and Funding Concerns
The SAFE program encompasses 42 projects for services under the Ministry of Interior and Administration, with the 7 billion złoty intended to strengthen these services. Projects include investments in anti-drone systems, Baltic Sea border defense, and securing the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Russian borders, as well as potentially the Polish-Ukrainian border.
Kierwiński emphasized the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the program and assured that funds will be reallocated despite the veto, though finding suitable mechanisms will be challenging.
Commission Meeting Marked by Heated Exchanges
The commission meeting was characterized by frequent clashes. Vice-Chairman Paweł Hreniak criticized attempts to frame the discussion as an attack on the president, arguing that funding security is not the issue, but rather ensuring it is done “wisely and reasonably.”
Accusations of Treason and Collaboration with Russia
Konrad Frysztak described the president’s initiative as reducing SAFE by 100 billion złoty and accused President Nawrocki, along with those opposing SAFE, of “betraying the homeland.”
Frysztak directly accused PiS lawmakers of serving Russian interests, questioning their loyalty and suggesting some might welcome Russian tanks in Polish streets, labeling their actions a “national betrayal and disgrace.”
Following these remarks, PiS lawmakers walked out of the meeting, which the minister deemed “very unfortunate.”
Presidential Veto and Government’s “Plan B”
President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the SAFE Act, prompting the government to develop an alternative funding plan, as detailed in Wyborcza.pl.
