The demonstration came after the Senate approved the bill on Thursday with 61 votes in favour, 26 against and no abstentions, returning it to the Sejm for a final vote following amendments.
Organized by the “Gazeta Polska” Clubs and the Border Defense Movement, the protest on Krakowskie Przedmieście featured banners reading “No to SAFE. Yes for Poland.” Adam Borowski, chairman of the rally, said an appeal would be formally submitted to the president. “We beg and ask you, veto the SAFE law,” he said.
The legislation, which would establish the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), is a key component of Poland’s national security strategy, enabling Warsaw to access EUR 43.7 billion in low-interest EU loans for 139 defence projects.
The funds would be channelled through state development bank BGK, with more than 80 percent earmarked for domestic defence industry projects.
Opposition lawmakers, including Law and Justice and Confederation deputies who voted against the bill in the lower house, have voiced concerns over the programme’s political implications and potential for misuse.
Law and Justice leader Jarosław Kaczyński called on Nawrocki to veto the law, warning that SAFE aims to unite Europe “under the German boot.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged swift enactment, arguing that delay would strike “at the very heart” of national security.
The protest drew comment from Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Radosław Sikorski, who wrote on X: “Smolensk coup, reactivated. Curious how many agents and how many suckers are there.” The bill is now expected to go to President Nawrocki, a Eurosceptic conservative aligned with the opposition, for final approval.
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Source: PAP