Controversy over the SAFE program: billions for armaments and political deadlock

Analysis of the latest reports indicates a deep political divide over the SAFE program. The project, which involves spending nearly 184 billion zloty on defense, has become a source of conflict between the ruling camp and the Presidential Palace. Przemysław Czarnek described the financing terms as the „worst loan in the world”, comparing them to payday loans. Meanwhile, politicians from the ruling coalition, including Włodzimierz Czarzasty, are appealing to President Karol Nawrocki for „peace” and cooperation, arguing that rejecting the program will hit Polish arms factories in Radom or Skarżysko-Kamienna. At the same time, the State Protection Service (SOP) is carrying out unprecedented investments in equipment. The formation is acquiring modern automatic rifles, grenade launchers, and specialist protection systems, which some media interpret as „arming to the hilt”. Concurrently, in Silesia, it was announced that the Rafako plants will use their infrastructure to produce components for Jelcz, which fits into the strategy of strengthening domestic production capacity. Simultaneously, the topic of the Polish nuclear program is increasingly appearing in public debate, seen as the next step after stabilizing the situation around SAFE. Poland's army modernization accelerated after 2022, making Warsaw one of the leaders in defense spending in NATO relative to GDP, which forces the search for external funding sources beyond the state budget. Public sentiment, according to CBOS research, remains optimistic about strengthening the army – two out of three Poles support the SAFE program, seeing it as a chance for real deterrence. However, experts warn that the continuous conflict between the Prime Minister and the President could paralyze the decision-making process. The head of the National Security Bureau raised reservations regarding control over the spending of funds, suggesting that Brussels could gain too much influence over Polish defense strategy. Protests under the slogan #NieDlaSAFE show that the resistance of the hardline right-wing electorate against military integration with the EU is strong and organized. „To jest najgorszy kredyt świata, gorszy niż Providenty i chwilówki.” (This is the worst loan in the world, worse than Provident and payday loans.) — Przemysław Czarnek „Sprawa jest ważna, proponuję pokój.” (The matter is important, I propose peace.) — Włodzimierz Czarzasty In the shadow of the grand armament policy, the government has adopted solutions to make life easier for entrepreneurs. The new regulations introduce so-called tacit consent in tax interpretations, which is meant to be a response to the bureaucracy that has so far hampered the development of military support companies. According to forecasts, the future of the SAFE program will be decided in the coming days in President Nawrocki's office.

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize public support for SAFE and call for an end to the blockade of army modernization by the president. Conservative media warn about usurious loan conditions and the loss of military sovereignty to EU structures.