Nawrocki in a political trap. A row with PiS is on the horizon
Karol Nawrocki faces a difficult choice. The fate of the SAFE Act depends on the president’s signature. A veto can have serious consequences for a politician.
On February 13, the Sejm adopted an act introducing the EU SAFE program. This is an EU support program for the European arms industry. Poland will be the largest beneficiary of SAFE – we will receive EUR 43.7 billion in the form of preferential loans from the European Investment Bank.
PiS politicians did not hide their outrage at the decision of the parliamentary majority. Jarosław Kaczyński stated, among others: that no one who wants a strong and sovereign army should support the SAFE Fund. Mariusz Błaszczak commented that this is a political leash that will harm Poland’s sovereignty.
The SAFE program adopted by the Parliament. What will Karol Nawrocki do?
The president will decide on the further fate of the act. Prof. Bartłomiej Biskup from the University of Warsaw said in an interview with “Fakt” that Karol Nawrocki found himself in a very difficult situation. – There is no doubt that refusing to sign the bill would expose him to strong criticism of public opinion fueled by the ruling camp – there would be accusations that he is acting to the detriment of the state’s defense – said the expert.
In the opinion of a political scientist “signing the bill may, in turn, cause huge dissatisfaction within PiS.” – In this situation, a more rational solution seems to be signing and then taking actions aimed at easing tensions in relations with PiS. Such a scenario would probably mean fewer political costs for the president than the need to refute accusations of weakening the security of the military, commented Prof. Bartłomiej Bishop.
Karol Nawrocki on a collision course with PiS?
Also prof. Rafał Chwedoruk admitted that “the issue of the SAFE agreement may have significant political consequences for the head of state.” – We cannot forget that Karol Nawrocki owes his presidency to Law and Justice. Signing the bill, contrary to the PiS narrative, could be perceived by the party’s electorate as an incomprehensible or even disloyal move. – said the expert.
– In turn, the lack of a signature would provide strong arguments to his opponents, but also to part of Karol Nawrocki’s choices. It is also worth noting that the mood in Europe – also in Poland – is becoming more pro-European than pro-American today, the expert noted.
