Sejm Passes SAFE Program Act: Billions for Defense Await President's Decision

The Sejm has adopted the final version of the act implementing the SAFE program, incorporating some of the Senate's amendments. This initiative constitutes the foundation of the plan for the technical modernization of the Polish Army for the coming years, assuming a financial injection of 183.5 billion zloty. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański argues that thanks to the EU mechanism, Poland will avoid high debt servicing costs. According to ministry estimates, savings from the lower interest rate could reach up to 60 billion zloty compared to commercial loans. The government argues that these funds are essential to finance arms contracts, including the modernization of plants in Silesia and the purchase of modern equipment for operational units. The SAFE program originates from the EU initiative to strengthen the resilience and security of member states following the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022, representing an evolution of recovery funds focused on the defense industry. The parliamentary debate surrounding the program took place in an atmosphere of sharp political conflict. Opposition factions, led by Law and Justice, accuse the government of "flawed" negotiations and undermining national financial sovereignty. Allegations are emerging about the alleged favoring of foreign suppliers at the expense of the domestic industry and claims that incurring such high obligations is disadvantageous for Poland. Meanwhile, representatives of the ruling coalition point to chaos within the opposition ranks, citing situations where PiS MPs voted against their own amendments. Minister Domański stated directly that adopting these funds is the only rational path to finance such a sudden increase in military spending while maintaining the stability of public finances. „Fitch's decision confirms the state's responsible economic policy.” — Andrzej Domański Currently, the fate of the act depends on the decision of the head of state. President Karol Nawrocki is under immense political pressure. On one hand, conservative circles expect a veto or referral of the act to the Constitutional Tribunal, while on the other, the government side emphasizes that blocking billions for the military in times of threat from the East would be a historical mistake. Representatives of the Presidential Chancellery are calming emotions, declaring that analyses are ongoing and the president will not yield to either side of the dispute, guided solely by the interest of national security and the stability of Polish industry. 183.5 mld zł — is the total amount of the SAFE defense program

Perspektywy mediów: Emphasizes the financial benefits from the low-interest loan and the necessity of military modernization in the face of threat. Warns about the loss of sovereignty to the EU and potential profits for foreign companies at the expense of Polish industry.