A new IBRiS study for “Rzeczpospolita” shows that nearly 60 percent respondents believe that the president should sign the act implementing the SAFE programwhich enables Poland to benefit from an EU loan for the modernization of its armed forces worth approximately EUR 43-44 billion (over PLN 180 billion). Just under 30 percent have the opposite opinion. subjectsand almost 12 percent had no opinion on this subject.
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Strong public support
The details of the survey show a clear difference between electorates: as much as 92 percent voters of the opposition ruling coalition support the president's signing of the bill, while among opposition supporters – defined as voters of PiS, Confederation and the Razem Party – the majority (approx. 59%) declares that the president should veto the bill. Importantly, in this group every third respondent is in favor of the signature.
The respondents' opinions do not yet fully take into account the course of the last public debate and parliamentary votes – the survey has been conducted February 13–14before the Sejm dealt with the Senate's amendments, notes “Rz”.
Read also: The future of the EU in this hour of testing depends on Poland. SAFE is not enough [OPINIA]
Political pressure and the president's dilemma
As “Rzeczpospolita” writes, the mere fact that the majority of society is in favor of signing the act does not end the dispute over SAFE. This instrument has become one of the most controversial political topics in recent weeks, with votes both for signing and for veto growing in the public space and social media. PiS and Confederation politicians are most strongly opposed to the act, claiming that the instrument limits Poland's sovereignty in the context of spending funds.
On the other hand, government representatives and officials emphasize that SAFE offers Poland a unique opportunity to significantly strengthen the country's defense on favorable financial terms, and call for its implementation as soon as possible.
Read also: “Paranoia”. The minister reacts to Jarosław Kaczyński's words about SAFE
SAFE Fund. What do Poles look at?
Karol Nawrocki's dilemma is not only political – it is a decision that may have a direct impact on the financing of the Polish army and the country's security in the coming years. The public debate includes arguments regarding the impact of SAFE on budget sovereignty, control over expenditure and supervision of the implementation of funds, writes “Rz”.
The president has 21 days from the moment the bill is passed to decide whether to sign it, veto it or refer it to the Constitutional Tribunal.
Read also: Donald Tusk about the SAFE program. “Look at my lips”
