Speaking at a campaign event in Biłgoraj, southeastern Poland, on Thursday, Trzaskowski, a liberal-centrist politician, proposed convening the National Security Council every 60 days to ensure regular discussions on security matters.
Trzaskowski emphasized the need to lower political tensions when it comes to security policy, saying that while political divisions in Poland are nothing new, past governments have largely maintained a united front on foreign and defense policy.
He pointed out that this was the case under successive Polish presidents, from Solidarity legend Lech Wałęsa to conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda, state news agency PAP reported.
"President Duda and I differ on many issues," Trzaskowski said, "but when it comes to the most important security matters, we have spoken with one voice in supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations and insisting that Ukraine belongs in NATO and Europe, not in Putin’s grip."
Trzaskowski hailed the United States as the most important partner for both Poland and the European Union. He said it was essential to make the case to US President Donald Trump that trade wars were not in anyone’s interest and that political and economic cooperation should be strengthened.
"This message should come from Poland," Trzaskowski said.
He also expressed hope that Duda, who has ties with Trump’s administration, would play a role in convincing the US leader not to negotiate a peace settlement over Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement.
"We must work together on peace, with Poland, NATO and the EU at the table — because it is also in America's interest," Trzaskowski said.
Reiterating his proposal to convene the National Security Council more frequently, Trzaskowski argued that the body, which advises the president on internal and external security matters, has not met often enough.
He insisted that such regular meetings would provide a crucial platform for discussing Poland’s security situation and ensuring a unified approach.
The National Security Council includes the Speakers of both houses of parliament, the prime minister, the foreign, defense and interior ministers, the coordinator of special services, leaders of parliamentary parties, and top officials from the president’s office and the National Security Bureau. It is chaired by the president, who also determines the agenda.
At the campaign event, Trzaskowski acknowledged that some of his supporters might have expected him to criticize the formerly ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, as is common in election rallies.
However, he urged political leaders to set aside their differences on national security.
"On this one issue, we can rise above divisions," he said.
He made clear that his call for unity did not mean reconciliation with PiS politicians, saying: "We’re not going to pretend that we will suddenly make peace with PiS — especially without having reached full accountability. But on this one issue, we could stop attacking each other and work together."
Poland’s presidential election is scheduled for May 18. If no contender wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round will be held two weeks later.
Duda, who has been president since 2015, is ineligible to seek a third term under election rules. His second term in office ends on August 6.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP