The call to keep security out of party disputes in 2023 came from President Andrzej Duda during his New Year address. He also underscored support for a pragmatic agreement with the European Commission.
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Security kept separate from party politics
On Saturday, the president spoke to the nation in a televised address.
When he sought re-election, he promised to be focused on Polish affairs, a guiding pledge that remains central to his daily work, he noted.
Today the top issue for Poland is security—the safety of Polish people, their families, and their communities. He stressed that he would do everything possible at the start of 2023 to strengthen this certainty.
He explained that the emphasis covers military security, along with internal and border security as well.
That commitment translates into unprecedented investments in the development and modernization of the armed forces and in substantial equipment purchases. He pointed out that the escalation should be viewed in the context of the broader challenge posed by the hybrid aggression near Ukraine, described as an attack on the Polish border with Belarus. It served as a test of national resolve, and, according to him, the country met that test with distinction. He praised the dedication and service of all uniformed services, including the Border Guard, Police, Fire Service, and the military.
He also noted that energy, health, and economic security for Polish citizens are equally important. These areas will take on heightened significance in the coming year, especially since it is an election year marked by political tensions and strong emotions. He urged the entire political class to keep security issues above partisan disputes and to avoid letting them become battlegrounds.
A prudent compromise with the European Commission
In his remarks, President Duda addressed Poland’s role in NATO and the European Union.
He reiterated that Poland’s presence in the North Atlantic Alliance and in the European Union is a fundamental consequence of national interests.
Membership in NATO and the alliance with the United States constitutes the country’s military security, while EU membership supports economic security and development opportunities. The president stressed the need for a solid path forward, highlighting the post-pandemic revival and the ongoing impact of the war as reasons for steady progress. He expressed support for a sensible compromise with the European Commission, noting that Poles would benefit from resources such as the Reconstruction Fund. He declared that Poland is entitled to these funds.
He explained that in February, before the war’s outbreak, he proposed a practical compromise. Ending the dispute serves the interests of both Poland and the European Union, because unity is crucial in difficult times. Yet the compromise must be wise and fair, preserving constitutional guarantees and legal certainty for Polish citizens. This principle, he stated, is foundational to his approach.
The message concluded with a sense of duty and forward-looking resolve, emphasizing a stronger, more secure Poland as a shared goal for the nation and its allies. The source of the address is noted to be wPolityce, with additional context provided for readers seeking the full New Year’s message.
(Source attribution: wPolityce)