Mentzen's comments, made at a campaign rally over the weekend, lack official confirmation and come as part of a broader strategy to present the government as failing to protect national security, news outlets reported.
"We have ammunition supplies for only three days of war," Mentzen declared, without citing any sources or offering evidence to support the claim.
Polish far-right leader Sławomir Mentzen. Photo: PAP/Marcin Bielecki
His remarks align with his party's ongoing efforts to portray Poland as unprepared for military threats, despite the government’s significant increases in defense spending and procurement of modern weaponry in recent years.
Poland leads NATO in defense spending in terms of percentage of GDP, and the country's standing military is the largest in the EU.
Poland’s defense ministry has not commented on Mentzen’s statement, but military analysts have repeatedly pointed out that such claims by opposition politicians often lack factual basis and serve primarily as campaign rhetoric.
Poland, which has been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, has steadily increased its defense capabilities, recently acquiring advanced weaponry from the United States and South Korea.
Mentzen’s Confederation party, which appeals to nationalist, libertarian and far-right sentiments, continues to push alarmist narratives to rally voters disillusioned with both the ruling pro-European government and the main opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice (PiS).
By painting a dire picture of Poland’s military readiness, Mentzen is likely hoping to capitalize on public anxiety about regional security and position himself as a defender of the nation against supposed government neglect.
Poland's presidential election will be held on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1 if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote.
The winner will serve a five-year term as head of state, overseeing defense and foreign policy and holding the power to veto legislation.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP