Security as the Core Concern in Polish Referendum Talks
Beata Kempa, former head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, remarked that politicians often reach out to voters by showing respect for their views while underscoring what matters most to every Polish citizen: safety. She stressed that for people in any country, work and health matter, but safety must come first.
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In a conversation with wPolityce.pl, Beata Kempa explained that the full set of migration-related referendum questions is essential because it invites all Poles to weigh in on an issue that affects the entire European Union. She noted that the consequences of EU migration policies fall on member states and communities across Europe, highlighting how policies from countries such as Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and France have been shouldered by others after changes in leadership. She argued that the EU’s instinct to push rapid, uniform solutions often fails to address the real security concerns felt by many citizens.
Kempa pointed to early Dublin-type arrangements as examples of approaches that did not deliver durable results and argued that recent discussions now revisit these concepts in updated forms. She warned that the sense of insecurity has become a driving force behind political debates in numerous EU countries, citing France as a reference point for what can happen when policy decisions lag behind public sentiment.
She described how a Polish public stance should serve as a clear signal and a mandate for any government to resist forced relocation schemes. An example she gave involved threats of penalties for countries that fail to accept a set number of refugees, emphasizing that the issue is not simply about accepting people but about managing the effects of complex rules, treaties, and family reunifications that can escalate numbers beyond what a nation can safely absorb.
Kempa also discussed the EU’s Return Directive, designed to return irregular migrants to their country of origin. She argued that the directive has not lived up to expectations, noting that last year only a fraction of returns were successfully completed. She criticized newer EU proposals as unrealistic, suggesting they rely on capabilities that would be impossible to realize, such as monitoring migrants after deportation across borders.
From the perspective of United Right politics, security remains a central theme in both yesterday’s and today’s referendum discourse. The questions are framed as fundamental to the safety of Polish citizens, reinforcing the view that Poland should be a secure nation that projects stability outwardly—whether in tourism, attracting investment, or maintaining internal quality of life.
Kempa argued that Poland must consider how its stance on migration affects multiple dimensions of security. She connected migration policy to organized crime, especially human trafficking, describing a landscape in which lax policies in the EU can fuel dangerous networks and lead to tragic outcomes for migrants. The aim is to ensure Polish policy does not create vulnerability on the eastern border or elsewhere in the union.
Questions surrounding future leadership, migration, and the opening of borders were presented as critical tests for the nation. Kempa reminded listeners of past political rhetoric that questioned the approach of opponents and warned against a shift toward open-door policies should those leaders return to power. She underscored the necessity of allowing the Polish electorate to express its views on these issues, arguing that such input would prevent decisions driven by a narrow circle of policymakers or by a simple majority that could override national interests.
The fourth referendum question was linked to the need to protect the eastern border from irregular inflows driven by external actors. Kempa emphasized that the security of people living near the border is a priority, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader hybrid threats associated with neighboring crises. She described the border as a focal point in a battleground of information and physical pressures, where deterrence and resilience must be prioritized to safeguard both the country and the wider European space.
Looking at the broader political landscape, Kempa observed how opposition figures have spoken about eastern border security and migration dynamics. She suggested that a robust defense of the border and a cautious approach to migration policy would be in Poland’s best interest, not just for national security but for the stability of the region and the European Union as a whole. The dialogue, she said, must reflect the lived realities of citizens who understand the trade-offs involved in migration, security, and economic health.
In Kempa’s view, all four referendum questions intersect with the core aims of protecting Polish security, maintaining economic well-being, and preserving national sovereignty. She reminded audiences of past political debates surrounding retirement policies and economic reform, noting criticisms leveled at opponents who, in her assessment, pursued policies that could affect the daily lives and future prospects of Polish families. The discussion on pension changes, she suggested, should be grounded in concrete protections for seniors, ensuring they can enjoy the fruits of their labor through reliable support like the 13th and 14th pensions while continuing to contribute to their communities with dignity.
In closing, the interview highlighted that the Polish public deserves a voice on these strategic questions. The speaker urged that the referendum process be used to reinforce the message that safety, stability, and common sense in policy choices should guide the country’s direction. The aim is to ensure that Poland remains secure, prosperous, and able to exercise sovereign choices in partnership with its European neighbors.
Thank you for the discussion.
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Source: wPolityce