New survey for 'Rzeczpospolita' shows President Karol Nawrocki's dilemma regarding SAFE
A new survey reveals that nearly 60% of respondents support President Karol Nawrocki signing the SAFE bill, which allows for €43 billion in loans for military modernization, while the opposition largely opposes it.
The article discusses the significant decision facing President Karol Nawrocki regarding the SAFE bill, a European Union initiative that could provide long-term loans of €43 billion for military modernization in Poland. This bill, which has already passed through the Senate and is currently being debated in the Sejm, poses a fundamental question for the current administration regarding its implications for Polish security and economic strategy.
A recent IBRiS survey shows that approximately 60% of participants favor the signing of this legislation, while about 29.8% oppose it, indicating a divided public opinion. Interestingly, the poll was conducted on February 13-14, before major public discussions and a significant decision by the Sejm, suggesting that the debate around SAFE is still evolving. The survey results imply that a considerable portion of the population is supportive of increased investment in defense and military capabilities, reflecting a growing concern for national security.
However, opposition parties, primarily the Law and Justice party (PiS), have criticized the SAFE bill, claiming it represents another opportunity for political division in Poland. The article mentions Donald Tusk's active role in opposing the bill and framing the debate as a 'Polish-Polish war' instead of a technical matter regarding military financing. This highlights the complexities and tensions in Polish politics, where critical national initiatives like SAFE become entrenched in broader partisan conflicts, making President Nawrocki's decision all the more consequential.