Karol Nawrocki Vetoes Loan for Modernization of Polish Army. Government Dissatisfied
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a law that would have provided a large European loan for the modernization of the Polish army. Both chambers of parliament had previously supported this document, writes Onet.pl.
Karol Nawrocki. Photo: Mateusz Slodkowski / Getty Images
The law adopted by parliament was intended to allow Poland to receive approximately 43-44 billion euros within the framework of the European SAFE program. These funds were planned to be used for the development and armament of the Polish armed forces.
Karol Nawrocki, however, stated that he would not sign the law, as he considers it dangerous for the country. According to him, it concerns a large foreign loan for 45 years in foreign currency. He emphasized that interest payments could cost about 180 billion zlotys (42.18 billion euros), and as a result, Poland would have to repay an amount almost double the funds received. In his opinion, such a debt would become a burden for future generations.
According to the government's plan, about 89% of the funds could be received by Polish defense enterprises. The money was intended for air defense systems, combating drones, drone development, as well as for the production of "Piorun" anti-aircraft missile systems, radar systems, armored vehicles, "Rak" mortars, "Krab" howitzers, and other types of military equipment.
The president's decision drew sharp criticism from the government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the head of state had lost the opportunity to prove himself a patriot. The government has already announced an extraordinary meeting and stated that it is looking for a way to circumvent the presidential veto and still secure the funding.
Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also noted that this decision harms the country's security, but the government will look for alternative ways to modernize the army.
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У Польшчы пытанне не ці мадэрнізаваць армію, а як і з якой крыніцы. Варта было б гэта патлумачыць беларусам, каб не ператвараліся ў недаінфармаваных невероятных.