Politico, an online news outlet in the United States, reported that Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced on the 12th that he would not sign the relevant bill implementing the EU's "European Security Initiative".

In his speech, Nawrocki reiterated his core argument against the "European Security Initiative" plan for several weeks, stating that this loan would leave Poland with long-term debt and expose the country to exchange rate risks.

Prime Minister Tusk held a different view from the president. Soon after Nawrocki announced his decision, Tusk posted on the social media platform X: "The president has lost the opportunity to show patriotism, which is shameful!" He also stated that the Polish government would hold a special meeting to develop countermeasures.

The European Council formally approved the establishment of the "European Security Initiative" tool in May last year, providing financial support of up to 150 billion euros for member states to purchase security and defense weapons. The "European Security Initiative" provides funding support in the form of long-term loans with preferential interest rates to EU member states in need, with 35% of the loans available for purchasing weapon components produced outside Europe.

Under the framework of the EU's "European Security Initiative", Poland could receive up to about 43.7 billion euros in defense financing. However, Nawrocki explained that this mechanism would result in a huge foreign currency debt with a term of up to 45 years, with interest costs potentially reaching up to about 42 billion euros. Poland will need to repay almost the same amount as the principal, and Western banks and financial institutions will profit from it.

He also pointed out that the plan might allow the EU to attach political conditions to Poland's defense funds, and it would give foreign arms dealers undue benefits.

He warned that the EU could arbitrarily suspend the disbursement of funds through what is called the conditional principle, while Poland would still have to continue repaying the debt. Therefore, it must be clear: security with conditions is not real security, and Poland's security should not be decided by external parties.

He said: "I have decided not to sign the bill that allows Poland to apply for loans under the 'European Security Initiative'. I will never sign any law that harms Poland's sovereignty, independence, and economic and military security."

Along with Prime Minister Tusk, key officials in his government also criticized the president on social media. Foreign Minister Sikorski had previously stated: "If the president vetoes the 'European Security Initiative', but we still need to push forward the plan... I will propose that every rifle, tank, artillery, drone, and anti-drone equipment is engraved with a line: 'Soldiers of the Polish Army, this is what President Nawrocki did not want to give you.'"

As an alternative to the "European Security Initiative", Nawrocki and the Governor of the National Bank of Poland, Grapinski, proposed on the 4th to provide about 185 billion zloty (approximately 40.3 billion euros) in funding without involving loans or interest. Nawrocki stated that he would ask the government to discuss this proposal.

In Poland's political system, most daily power is held by the prime minister, who is elected by parliament. However, the role of the Polish president is not merely ceremonial; this position has the power to influence Poland's foreign policy and to veto legislation.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7616741313135821358/

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