Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Poland’s Defense Minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, has raised concerns over the opposition’s alleged plans to disband the Territorial Defense Forces (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej) if they come into power. In a recent statement, he emphasized that during the ongoing election campaign, “opposition politicians are lying even more than usual.”
Błaszczak pointed to comments from various politicians, including Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the leader of the Polish People’s Party (PSL), who advocated for the dissolution of the Territorial Defense Forces, claiming they do not serve the nation. Tomasz Siemoniak, former Minister of National Defense, criticized the forces as a caricature of defense, while Czesław Mroczek, a former Deputy Minister of Defense, warned that such a move would have serious repercussions for the armed forces.
The Defense Minister also highlighted the historical remarks of Gen. Mirosław Różański, who questioned the effectiveness of the Territorial Defense Forces in enhancing national security.
Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej to ponad 37 tys. profesjonalnych żołnierzy, którzy są zawsze gotowi i zawsze blisko. Opozycja przez lata krytykowała i obrażała WOT. Nie miejcie złudzeń, jak Tusk wróci do władzy to zlikwiduje ten rodzaj sił zbrojnych. Nie pozwólmy na to! pic.twitter.com/kvRWiSc4h3
— Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) September 30, 2023
Błaszczak countered these arguments by underscoring the invaluable contributions of the 37,000 dedicated individuals serving in the Territorial Defense Forces, who have assisted in various crises, including the pandemic, floods, and search and rescue missions.
He concluded by reminding the public that the opposition had initially opposed the formation of the Territorial Defense Forces in their current capacity, casting doubt on their commitment to strengthening national security.