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Security concerns in Poland are increasing pressure to reduce gun restrictions

09.06.2022 17:13
A long-time supporter of gun deregulation, Paweł Kukiz, is finding the situation in Ukraine conducive to his political aims.
Paweł Kukiz - leader of Kukiz 15
Paweł Kukiz - leader of Kukiz 15Photo: PAP/Andrzej Lange

Paweł Kukiz, the leader of the small right-wing party Kukiz 15, has said that his support for the ruling party's alliance is dependent on the ruling party's support for two bills - a bill facilitating access to arms and a bill to create new magistrate courts. 

Kukiz has been a long-time supporter of liberalised access to weapons, but has now found support from the Polish Defence Minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, in the context of security threats posed by Russia. 

Błaszczak said on Thursday, "There is no doubt that as many people as possible should be trained in the use of arms, to be able to behave appropriately in crisis situations."

Kukiz said on Monday on Radio Wnet that "My further support for the United Right alliance is dependent on Law and Justice (PIS) passing acts by the end of this year on magistrate courts and on arms and ammunition."

The bill on arms, drafted by a group of MPs from Law and Justice and Kukiz 15, would ease restrictions on access to arms for mentally healthy adults with no criminal records.

In particular, the bill would remove the police's discretionary powers in awarding gun licenses. 

Sources: PAP, Gazeta Prawna

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