During a press conference, Prime Minister Donald Tusk was asked about the president’s doubts regarding Poland’s participation in the European defense initiative sometimes described as the iron dome. Tusk defended his stance by criticizing the president rather than engaging with the presented concerns.
President Andrzej Duda stated that the idea of an 7 iron dome over Europe is largely a German-led project, and that Poland has long relied on its Patriot air defense system while pursuing national capabilities. The president emphasized that the issue is not which party bears responsibility for defense decisions, but how Poland can achieve greater security in the long run.
7 I don6t know where you6re getting the idea of the president6s doubts, because for me, it does not matter who handles which duties in weapons or defense. What matters is a safer Poland,6 he noted, and Tusk soon moved to criticizing the president directly.
The Prime Minister urged a constructive, cross-party approach to security matters in Poland. He acknowledged that time has been wasted and much ground remains to be covered, but insisted that collaboration is essential. He asked the president to clarify his convictions and level of information regarding these issues. In discussing the European Sky Shield proposal, Tusk said he consulted generals and the defense minister, describing the project as a complement rather than an substitute in Poland6s air defense strategy. Any ally willing to help protect Polish airspace would be seen as a partner, he stated, and the guests at the government meeting shared that view regarding Poland6s involvement in the iron dome proposal.
Minister Siewi er, representing the president, and the two generals reportedly confirmed that joining the European Sky Shield sooner would have been beneficial, provided it remained part of a broader defense framework rather than a replacement for Poland6s own plans.
6 There is no intention to abandon current efforts. We must keep working together,6 the Prime Minister added, underscoring the need for presidential cooperation in this matter.
On another front, Tusk discussed cooperation with the head of state while also noting criticisms aimed at the president. He described the PO leadership line as inconsistent on several occasions, a pattern he argued undermined unified national security efforts.
Tusk on Pegasus and Surveillance Questions
At the conference, Tusk affirmed that any proven wrongdoing by the previous government would prompt action by the prosecutor6s office, addressing concerns about the Pegasus surveillance system. The information later presented to the Sejm and Senate indicated that operation of the Pegasus system between 2017 and 2022 affected hundreds of individuals. A former interior minister stated that all requests were made with court permission.
Tusk recalled objections from PiS leaders who had previously denied Pegasus and its purpose, stressing that the question is not merely about legality but about accuracy and accountability. He suggested that the use of advanced surveillance tools in political contexts should be scrutinized closely, especially when it concerns opposition figures and public figures alike.
6 In regimes with a penchant for procedural legality, there have been explanatory justifications for actions that were ethically questionable. The claim that surveillance was purely legal should be examined with care, as the public deserves transparency,6 he commented.
He warned that if any authority acted unlawfully or harmed the reputation of individuals, the proper channels would pursue consequences. The Prime Minister indicated that the public prosecutors would review similar cases as needed.
Additionally, Kamiński and a close aide reportedly received a summons related to votes in the Sejm. Tusk characterized these developments as part of a broader political struggle, arguing that such actions represent active involvement in the political fight rather than isolated events. He cautioned against letting incidents escalate into hysteria, reminding audiences that those involved are aware of their responsibilities.
6 The focus should be on accountability and results, not theatrics,6 he remarked.
Economic Support Programs and Timeliness of Funds
The prime minister also spoke about efforts to ensure timely spending of the KPO funds, arguing that a two-year delay had been caused by the former government. He emphasized progress and acknowledged that achieving full, timely disbursement would demand careful planning and coordination with new European Union bodies. He noted that while some nations had already deployed sizable portions of funds, Poland had to proceed thoughtfully to avoid waste and to maximize impact for citizens.
6 The goal is to use these resources wisely and promptly,6 Tusk said. He pointed out that some provisions in the earlier plan required renegotiation to remove elements that could be harmful to citizens. He expected that the current government would navigate the process and work with the European Commission to ensure that funds are used effectively and not left idle.
In his closing remarks, Tusk commented on criticisms that the funds were blocked by Brussels for political reasons. He argued that the delay was the result of internal disagreements and a departure from the rule of law, which he warned would cause lasting damage to Poland. He placed full responsibility for the delay on the previous leadership, referencing the top figures in the party and administration. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between Poland6s domestic political dynamics and its relations with EU institutions.
Finally, the press conference touched on ongoing governance actions. The government indicated it would monitor developments and engage in further steps as needed to ensure accountability and progress on the country6s defense and security objectives. The overarching message was a call for unity, disciplined action, and a pragmatic approach to both defense and governance. [Source attribution: wPolityce]