Poland’s ruling party accuses opposition of readiness to cede half of country's territory if attacked

By Jo Harper

WARSAW (AA) – Poland’s previous government, now the main opposition party – Civic Platform (PO) – was ready to hand over half of Poland to Russia in the event of an attack, Poland’s defense minister has claimed on social media.

“I often wondered why the PO government liquidated units in the east of our country. And we have the answer, that's why. Because the real defense was planned on the Vistula River, that is, it was planned to hand over half of Poland into the hands of the occupier,” Mariusz Blaszczak said on public television TVP Monday about his decision to make the documents public via his account on X on Sunday.

The ruling Justice Party (PiS) remains ahead in polls, but a recent scandal over sales of visas to foreigners – while the party talks tough on immigration and national security – has hit the party ahead of parliamentary elections set for Oct. 15. PiS has focused its attacks on PO’s leader, Donald Tusk, accusing him of being too close to Berlin and also weak on Russia.

The documents show Poland's defense plans from 2011, when the PO ruled in a coalition with the Polish People’s Party (PSL). They include photos of declassified documents, including parts of a plan to use the Polish Armed Forces as part of an independent defense operation approved by then-Defense Minister Bogdan Klich.

"In the name of historical truth, but also in the name of basic honesty, it was necessary to remove the confidentiality clause from these documents, which we did, and show the public that PO are hypocrites who really wanted to give half of Poland to Russia," he said.

"Poland's defense system, which was in force during Donald Tusk's government, would have resulted in tragedies for the civilian population," Blaszczak said. “We are strengthening the Polish army to deter the aggressor so that Russia does not attack Poland. Only PiS guarantees the security of our country,” he added.