Address by the President of the Republic of Poland
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the world full of tensions and uncertainty, any decision concerning the security of the state must be taken with Poland’s long–term interests in mind — with tomorrow in mind, not only what is “here and now.” This was the thinking that guided our community when we decided to accede to NATO, a decision whose 27th anniversary we celebrate today.
A bill has been placed on my desk concerning the European SAFE mechanism is to consider facts above day–to–day politics. The issue of entering the European SAFE loan scheme is not in the hands of a single party or government, nor is it a matter for a single term in office. The future of the Polish state is at stake.
From the outset, the SAFE project has raised many questions and doubts. This is why I convened a dedicated session of the National Security Council to discuss the topic. I held a number of meetings and talks with experts, and I initiated special amendments to the relevant law to be adopted in the legislative process. I deemed it necessary to engage in broad–based, non–party dialogue. Unfortunately, most of the submitted amendments were rejected; the politicians opted for confrontation rather than dialogue. Even worse, a decision was taken to exploit this debate to exacerbate the polarisation of public opinion and create divisions among the Polish people. This is exceptionally harmful and, quite simply, unwise. People must finally realise that ruining agreement on such fundamental issues goes against Poland's interests. The only people who will rejoice over this are our enemies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The SAFE mechanism involves massive foreign lending taken out for 45 years and denominated in foreign currency. The interest incurred could amount to as much as 180 billion zlotys.
Thus, the Polish people will have to repay another amount equal to the value of the loan, whereas Western banks and financial institutions will profit from it. This situation is comparable to loans in Swiss francs. Initially, everything was supposed to be safe, but later instalments soared sky high, triggering off substantial financial crises.
Politicians who want to take out a SAFE loan must remember that it will burden our children and grandchildren for years to come. An 18–year–old who is just starting out in adult life today will need to repay the debt incurred on their behalf. One can take out a loan in a matter of days, but it will take a whole generation to pay it back.
History teaches us a simple lesson: nations that refuse to fund their own army will, sooner or later, end up funding a foreign one.
This is why defence spending is essential, but it must be implemented wisely, with a sense of responsibility and without compromising state sovereignty. I have therefore proposed an alternative to the euro–based SAFE facility: the Polish SAFE 0% and the Polish Defence Investments Fund. A bill to this effect has already been submitted to the Sejm and should be considered as soon as possible. Partisan vociferousness and postponing the debate act to the detriment of the Polish armed forces and Poland’s security.
Recently, the National Bank of Poland earned Poland more than 185 billion zlotys, thanks to an increase in gold reserves and sound investment decisions, among other things.
This is a considerable sum. It is capital that can work for Polish security. Thanks to it, we will not need to take out uncertain foreign loans for generations. The fund will operate under the full control of the Polish state and parliament, in cooperation transcending political divisions and with full transparency in the disbursement of funds.
This solution gives us complete decision–making freedom. Poland will decide what equipment to buy, from whom to buy it, and how to develop its defence industry.
The problem with the SAFE Euro–loan is not just about money. It is also about principles. Our security will not be solely in the hands of the Polish authorities.
SAFE is a mechanism through which Brussels can withhold funding at will, based on the so–called principle of conditionality, and our country will still have to pay this debt. Therefore, it must be made clear that security on condition is not security. Poland's security cannot depend on foreign decisions.
As President of the Republic of Poland, I must ask a fundamental question: is a solution that could restrict the state's sovereignty in security matters compatible with Poland's Constitution?
Article 90 of our Basic Law allows the transfer of certain competences to international organisations. However, it also clearly states that competences that form part of a state's sovereignty cannot be transferred. One of these is control over the armed forces. This is also confirmed by European treaties.
These are fundamental issues. Taking this into account, I have decided that I will not sign the law allowing Poland to take out the SAFE loan. I will never sign a law that threatens our sovereignty, independence, or economic and military security.
I would like to make it clear that any attempt to burden our country with foreign debt in an extra–legal manner, through the backdoor, will face political and legal accountability sooner or later.
I would like to remind those in power of Article 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, which clearly states that “organs of public authority act on the basis of, and within the limits of, the law.” This means that public authorities may act only to the extent permitted by law.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am appealing to all political forces to work urgently on the President's bill for the Polish Defence Investments Fund. This will allow the army's development to be financed at a level equal to or higher than that of the European SAFE. This project will ensure a strong army without leaving future generations in debt. Poland's SAFE of 0% means zero dependence and 100% sovereignty.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Poland must arm itself. Poland must build a strong army. Poland must be one of the pillars of security in Europe and NATO. But Poland must do this on its own terms.
Only a nation that can take care of its own security remains truly free.
Poland first! The Polish People first!