Kaczyński and PiS Fuel Anti-EU Sentiment with German Focus

Recent political maneuvering by Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, has reignited anti-EU sentiment within Poland, centering on concerns about German influence and the EU’s proposed defense initiatives. Despite Poland being a major beneficiary of the EU’s defense funding program, SAFE, Kaczyński and his party are increasingly vocal in their opposition, framing the program as a threat to Polish sovereignty.

Shifting Stance on the SAFE Program

The EU’s SAFE (Security Assistance for Ukraine and Moldova) program aims to provide €150 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine and Moldova, funded through borrowing on the capital market and distributed as low-interest loans to member states for defense modernization [1]. Poland is slated to receive €43.7 billion through SAFE, with repayment scheduled by 2070. Initially, the PiS-led government under Mateusz Morawiecki supported the concept of a European defense fund following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Although, the party has since adopted a more critical stance.

This shift was evident during a Sejm vote on the implementation of the SAFE program on February 12th, where the vast majority of PiS MPs voted against it. A small faction of moderate PiS members dissented, arguing that rejecting such substantial defense funding was detrimental to national security [1].

Accusations of German Domination

Kaczyński has characterized the SAFE program as a path towards “the unification of Europe under German leadership” and the “displacement of the USA from Europe,” alleging that it amounts to “Poland under the German boot” [2]. He further claims the program is designed to rebuild Germany’s arms industry at Poland’s expense. Rafał Bochenek, a PiS party spokesman, echoed these concerns, stating the program “serves to build up the potential and power of the German defense business at the expense of the Polish armed forces” [2].

Presidential Concerns and Potential Blockage

President Karol Nawrocki, though formally non-partisan but considered close to PiS, is now central to the program’s implementation. However, his previous statements suggest he is unlikely to sign the law implementing SAFE, fearing it will shift decision-making power over the Polish army to Brussels and function as a “hidden subsidy for the German arms industry” [2].

Broader Context: EU Treaty Changes and Sovereignty

Kaczyński’s opposition to SAFE is part of a broader pattern of resistance to deeper EU integration. He has similarly criticized proposed changes to EU treaties, viewing them as “an existential threat to the Polish state” and a strategy orchestrated by Germany through Brussels to dissolve Polish sovereignty [2]. This stance comes as PiS attempts to rally support after losing its majority in the October 2023 elections and moving into opposition [3].

Kaczyński’s Political Strategy

Jarosław Kaczyński, co-founder of the Law and Justice party in 2001 and its leader since 2003, served as Prime Minister of Poland from 2006 to 2007 and has twice held the post of Deputy Prime Minister [1]. His current rhetoric appears aimed at consolidating his base and framing PiS as the defender of Polish national interests against external pressures.