The deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense, Stanisław Wziątek, stated in Świnoujście on Wednesday that the Institute of National Remembrance should be liquidated. He asserted that the process is understood and that the coalition partners’ consent and agreement are the remaining steps required to implement such a decision. Wziątek emphasized that the political current among his colleagues remains critical of the Institute, but he urged his party to seek common ground with others to pursue this course of action.
Wziątek repeated his position during a press conference held in Świnoujście, underscoring that the objective is to liquidate the Institute of National Remembrance. He noted that while his party may not hold the strongest bloc in parliamentary votes for these measures, unity is possible if there is a willingness to cooperate across the coalition.
The deputy minister highlighted that the left-leaning segment he represents does not possess a large voting block within the government. Yet, he argued that it is essential to find shared ground and pursue agreed steps that reflect collective accountability.
In discussing broader security concerns tied to the war in Ukraine, Wziątek warned that a large-scale conflict poses a grave threat to Poland and to neighboring European nations. He stressed the importance of taking proactive measures now to strengthen readiness in response to evolving threat scenarios.
According to him, the focus is not limited to acquiring new military equipment. The central aim is to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities and the domestic defense industry so that it can drive economic growth, reinforce national resilience to threats, and support more than mere military readiness.
Wziątek also spoke about the duty to protect the population as a core function of national defense. He described this protection as a guiding philosophy for maintaining state autonomy, freedom, and the security of citizens. He urged a holistic approach that integrates defense strategy with civilian protection to safeguard daily life and constitutional liberties.
Civil Protection Act
The deputy minister called for the preparation of a new civil protection and population protection law. Its objectives include elevating risk awareness, establishing a clear decision-making and management framework, and defining who has authority to act and under what conditions. The legislation would specify the distribution of powers and the processes that enable rapid, coordinated responses in emergencies.
Wziątek described the need to build a formal agreement among government bodies, local administrations, and the military to strengthen state resilience through collaborative efforts. He pointed out that local governments operate closest to residents, making their role essential in implementing protective measures and ensuring timely assistance in crises.
Turning to the topic of shelters, he remarked that shelters are now scarce and often in poor condition. He noted that the current shelter infrastructure is a legacy from older times, and many Polish cities lack sufficient facilities. He stressed the absence of a guiding policy that would require new shelters to be built or preserved during public investments that involve risks or potential emergencies.
In addition, the deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense highlighted the need for the public to recognize alarm systems, understand where to seek safety, and know how to provide basic aid to those in need. He called this essential groundwork an urgent priority that must be addressed promptly.
Recent findings from the Supreme Audit Office, reported last week, examined the level of civilian shelter availability. The results indicated that two years after the onset of the large-scale conflict in Ukraine, fewer than four percent of the population in Poland could access shelters. The report suggested gaps in civil protection and a lack of public knowledge regarding safe locations during danger, underscoring broader systemic issues in emergency readiness.
Observers note recurring concerns about the effectiveness of state institutions and governance, echoing critiques made in coalition circles. The broader political discourse includes calls for reassessment and reform aimed at strengthening civil defense and maintaining public safety in tense regional contexts.
In related discussion, discussions around preserving public safety and historical institutions continue to trigger strong opinions across the political spectrum, highlighting the ongoing debate about how to balance memory, governance, and national security in today’s environment.
Source: wPolityce