Poland’s security examined in a new election frame
In Kielce, Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk framed the coming parliamentary elections as a clear choice between what Poland had in the past and what it has now. The focus, he argued, is on strengthening national security over past approaches that he says left the country more exposed to threats and vulnerabilities.
During a public session with residents of Kielce, Wawrzyk contrasted Poland’s situation in 2015, before the Law and Justice party took the helm, with the current state of affairs. He asserted that the country would not have the modern weapons or the thousands of Territorial Forces soldiers guarding the border if the Civic Platform had maintained power after 2015. He asked the crowd to consider how Ukraine would have fared under that earlier trajectory, underscoring a perceived link between national defense and regional stability.
He recalled past messaging from 2014, when Poland’s responses were shaped by a call for de-escalation and a preference for dialogue with Moscow, suggesting that such an approach reflected the government’s stance at the time. Wawrzyk argued that the then leadership did not equate to anti-Russian sentiment, but rather defended Polish interests and security. He credited the 2015 election outcome with enabling a stronger national posture, especially on border protection against threats linked to Belarus and foreign interference.
According to him, the country has since demonstrated its capacity to uncover and arrest individuals who posed risks to state security, and has shown that Polish institutions can maintain safety for citizens even amid regional tensions. The declaration emphasized that Russian agents have a restricted space in Poland when proper measures are in place, and that the state is capable of handling any threats that arise.
A straightforward choice for the voters
Wawrzyk described the upcoming vote as a straightforward decision for Poles, contrary to any appearance of complexity. He argued that this election will not be a vote for specific parties or a distant political era, but a clear option between certain groups and the Law and Justice party.
He framed the decision as a debate between a path that would disarm Poles and neglect national interests, and a path that prioritizes security, a robust armed forces, and proactive defense of Polish interests on the international stage within alliances like NATO and structures within the European Union.
He also stressed that energy independence would be a central test, pointing to Poland’s progress in achieving energy security and reducing reliance on external producers. The Baltic Pipe project was highlighted as a milestone reached through commitment and practical action, contrasting it with past neglect that he says allowed energy leverage to slip away. He argued that energy resources are currently used as a tool in geopolitical contestation, and confirmed that Poland has built a framework to diversify and control its own energy future.
The deputy minister questioned whether the country would seek full sovereignty in policy decisions and whether the Polish government would place national interests, including the welfare of Polish women and families, first in the face of external pressures. He Portraited a future where Polish leadership would resist directives from foreign capitals when they conflict with national priorities, insisting that the election will reveal whether the state can pursue a strong, independent line on both security and prosperity.
In closing, Wawrzyk cast the choice as aligning with a government that emphasizes national sovereignty and practical defense rather than compliance with distant political agendas. The framing suggested that the coming years would determine Poland’s stance on defense, energy independence, and the ability to safeguard citizens on the European stage.
Krupka: readiness as a path to peace
Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism Anna Krupka spoke about the Law on the Defense of the Fatherland, enacted over a year ago. The law aims to boost military funding while expanding the size of the armed forces and restoring reserve capacity. The old saying, if you want peace, prepare for war, was echoed as she outlined the rationale behind heavier defense spending.
She cited figures showing a long-term increase in armaments spending: approximately PLN 37 billion in 2015 versus more than PLN 97 billion in 2023. This marks a rise of roughly 160 percent. In 2023 the rate of expenditure approached three percent of GDP, underscoring the defense industry’s importance and its role in national security. Krupka framed this rise as a deliberate choice to put safety at the forefront of policy and budgeting.
The emphasis remained on building resilience and ensuring readiness, reflecting a broader priority on safeguarding the country through stronger defense capabilities and a reliable reserve system. The message highlighted a shift toward a more self-reliant security posture, with defense spending seen as a direct investment in Poland’s stability and future.
olk/PAP
Source: wPolityce