Is the government planning to introduce the EU’s SAFE mechanism “through the back door”? This appears to follow from statements made by deputy prime ministers and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Earlier, President Karol Nawrocki, announcing that he would not sign the law implementing the loan, warned that such attempts would “sooner or later face both political and legal consequences.”
On Thursday, President Karol Nawrocki delivered a televised address in which he announced his decision regarding the EU defense loan.
“Taking all of this into account, I have decided that I will not sign the law that allows Poland to take out the SAFE loan. I will never sign a law that undermines our sovereignty, independence, economic security, and military security,” he said, emphasizing:
“At this point I warn that any attempts to indebting our country abroad in an unlawful manner, through the back door, will sooner or later meet with both political and legal responsibility.”
It appears that the president’s warning does not concern those currently in power. In a post criticizing Karol Nawrocki’s decision, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz spoke about a “Plan B.”
“We will implement Plan B, because this is what Poland’s national interest requires. Especially at a time when new wars and new threats are emerging around the world. We cannot remain passive and rely on imaginary profits and creative accounting that will not strengthen our army. We have no time to wait or for empty promises,” he stated.
Another deputy prime minister, Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski, spoke in a similar tone.
“We will not give up actions aimed at strengthening the country’s security. The Polish army, Polish technology companies, and the Polish defense industry will receive the government’s support. The October 15 Coalition will ensure the development of the army and the Polish defense industry regardless of how much destruction the president tries to cause,” he wrote.
Finally, the head of government, Donald Tusk, also announced a response plan.
“The president has lost the chance to behave like a patriot. Shame! Tomorrow at 9 a.m. the Polish government will present its response during an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers,” he said.
Among those reacting to the prime minister’s post was his predecessor, Mateusz Morawiecki.