The German economical weekly "Wirtschaftswoche" writes in the latest edition about Poland's increasing position in the context of the upcoming presidential elections. "Europe's centre of gravity is moving east towards Poland. Half the EU can learn from Warsaw now. Both in terms of determination and in terms of economical dynamics", says Andrzej Rybak. In his opinion, Poland is increasingly becoming a "leading country" – despite many challenges to overcome.
A German writer of Polish origin writes about the "new Polish self-confidence", which is manifested, among others, in Prime Minister Donald Tusk's appeal to make Europe realise its strength, wake up and stand on its own feet".
"Safety and geopolitical situation in any case belong to the most crucial subjects of the electoral campaign. The erstwhile right-wing-conservative government of the Law and Justice organization raised defence spending immediately at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and the Liberal-Conservative Tusk coalition went even further" – we read.
A bucket of cold water from Trump
The weekly quotes, among others, the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the MON Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. "Trump poured a bucket of ice-cold water on the heads of European politicians – and I am even a small glad about it," says the politician. He explains that without the harsh words of the president of the United States, there would be no increase in European arms spending. In his opinion, present Europe must make up for lost years.
"We must be able to defend our continent militarily – or we will lose it," Kosiniak-Kamish warns. It adds that Europeans have technologies, money and people and are able to take care of their own safety.
As we read, at the initiative of Kosiniak-Kamisha, the government is presently moving PLN 26 billion from the recovery plan after the pandemic to the creation of fresh capabilities in the defence industry. Originally, this appropriation was intended to cover the acquisition of electrical buses and charging stations in Polish cities.
"It's a pity, of course, but what would electrical buses be useful for erstwhile the country is bombed?" says the politician, quoted by "Wirtschaftswoche". "We request credible deterrence. Our weapons plants urgently request fresh production lines," he adds.
"Wirtschaftswoche" estimates that others could learn this from Poland too: "Pragmatism and ability to fit in in the times of Russian threat".
Growth of Polish armaments
The German weekly besides writes about the improvement of the Polish defence industry, and the WB Group, specialising in advanced defence and civilian technologies, considers the "new champion" of the industry. In particular, the production of drones is liable for the immense growth of the group – we read.
"After 30 years of disarmament Poland and Europe are again ready to presume work for their security. Poles now sound even as Winston Churchill erstwhile sounded," writes the weekly magazine. He quotes the president of the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation Zbigniew Pisarski, who states: "We cannot waste this crisis in transatlantic relations".
"It's an economical opportunity. The U.S. besides built its economical power after planet War II on the foundation of the arms industry" - estimates Writer.
A Fragile Break
The author of the article besides estimates that since taking power in December 2023 Donald Tusk's government "achieved visible successes and gained importance". For example, Poland sits in Group E5, together with France, Germany, large Britain and Italy, dealing with European safety and Ukraine's support.
"It is only in interior and economical policy that reforms are almost not progressing – frequently due to the blockade of the faithful PiS inactive in office by president Andrzej Duda. Therefore, the popularity of the Tusk government is weakening," writes Andrzej Rybak. He adds that the main problem is the restoration of the regulation of law and the independency of the judiciary.
The author estimates that despite the successes, the breakthrough in Poland is inactive "short". For in a dynamic economy there are besides apparent problems. Although the Polish economy grew at a rate of 3% of GDP in 2024, the budget deficit reached 6.6 percent of GDP. The investment rate of 17.5 percent is importantly lower than in the crisis-stricken Germany (20.8%). Inflation is besides 5 percent, more than twice as much as in Germany," says Rybak.
He quotes economist Bogusław Grabowski, who claims that “the government continues its policy of social redistribution of its predecessors, and even raised its level.” Last year real wages increased by over 9 percent, while productivity barely improved," we read. "The result: Poland gradually loses its competitiveness towards western neighbours," writes "Wirtschaftswoche", citing, for example, furniture industry.
