Poland’s Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty declined to assign a legislative number to President Nawrocki’s “Polish SAFE zero percent” proposal due to funding concerns.
Presidential Project Lacks Funding Details
Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced his decision on Thursday, March 19th, following a press conference, stating he would not assign a print number to the presidential bill concerning the Polish Defense Investment Fund, known as “Polish SAFE zero percent.” Czarzasty explained the President did not provide adequate funding sources for the initiative.
The presidential project was previously sent to the Legislative Bureau and the Bureau for Expert Analysis and Regulatory Impact Assessment. Czarzasty reported on the results of the conducted analyses, noting “very serious doubts” regarding the constitutionality of the law.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
According to the constitution, the legislative initiative regarding projects providing state financial guarantees rests solely with the Council of Ministers. Czarzasty emphasized that the provisions of the presidential project contradict this principle.
No Projects “Frozen,” Speaker Insists
Czarzasty refuted claims that he was blocking or freezing presidential legislative initiatives, outlining the status of the 17 projects submitted by the President. One project has been passed by the Sejm, one rejected in the first reading, seven are in committee review, two await first reading, four have been returned to the President for supplementation, one is undergoing public consultation, and one has been sent to the Sejm’s Bureau for Expert Analysis and Regulatory Impact Assessment.
Speaker Criticizes Misinformation
Czarzasty stated, “Mr. President, no project is in a freezer.” He requested the President correct misinformation being spread by his associates, asserting he is not blocking any legislation and will only proceed with laws that are legally sound and financially viable. He specifically stated the Sejm will not process populist laws lacking financial security.
“Polish SAFE Zero Percent” Explained
Karol Nawrocki vetoed the government’s law regarding the EU’s SAFE program on March 12th, describing the SAFE mechanism as a substantial foreign loan taken out over 45 years in a foreign currency, potentially burdening future generations. He argued that Poland’s security should not depend on external decisions.
On March 3rd, Nawrocki and the President of the National Bank of Poland, Adam Glapiński, presented the concept of “Polish SAFE zero percent” as an alternative to the EU program, positioning it as a beneficial and effective financing option supported by the NBP.
SAFE Program Details
The SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program aims to provide 150 billion euros to 19 EU member states to support defense investments, with Poland potentially receiving nearly 44 billion euros in the form of loans at 3% interest, repayable until 2070.
