Marcin Kerwiński, serving as the general secretary of Poland’s largest opposition party, Civic Platform, spoke on MF FM about border security with Belarus. He argued that it is necessary to enhance the existing border fence by improving its structure and capabilities.
Kerwiński asserted that the barrier needs upgrading, proposing the deployment of advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies to strengthen deterrence and response. He described the current installation as insufficient in height, depth, and integrated surveillance systems, suggesting a modernization to ensure more robust protection.
While stressing his support for border security in principle, the politician clarified that the Civic Platform does not oppose fences on the border or measures aimed at safeguarding the country. He added that the opposition previously questioned the specific approach taken by the ruling party, calling their criticisms a sign of skepticism toward government policy.
Reflecting on past statements, Kerwiński recalled a pledge that if the Law and Justice administration pursued a fence, there would be no fence at all. He contended that the government opted for visible barriers rather than comprehensive, reinforced protections, implying a gap between rhetoric and effective security design.
Kerwiński noted that the government had recently announced a procurement process for an electronic barrier along the Bug River, located on the Belarusian frontier. The project was described as featuring a 172-kilometer stretch requiring bid submissions and technical proposals to be reviewed in November 2023, with construction anticipated to begin in late autumn or early winter of that year.
As of the time of reporting, Poland had already installed a 186-kilometer fence along the land border with Belarus, a figure that reflects ongoing efforts to bolster cross-border control and monitoring.
Earlier developments on the border included the deployment of border snipers in the region, a measure discussed in security circles and media coverage as part of intensified deterrence and readiness. The broader context includes ongoing debates about the balance between strict border control and humanitarian considerations, as well as the economic and logistical implications of large-scale fencing projects.