Gov’t outlines plans to overhaul Poland’s civil defense system
To bolster national security and civil protection, Poland is poised to introduce a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at enhancing the country’s defense mechanisms and public safety measures, the government said on Friday.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Interior and Administration Minister Marcin Kierwiński attend a news conference in Warsaw on Friday, March 22, 2024.Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak
The new proposal, outlined by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz alongside Interior and Administration Minister Marcin Kierwiński, seeks to address the gaps left by the phasing out of previous civil defense laws.
Scheduled for submission to the Sejm, the lower house of Poland’s parliament, by the end of May, this legislation represents a critical step in Poland’s effort to strengthen its civil defense capabilities, state news agency PAP reported.
At a press conference in Warsaw, the two ministers briefed reporters on the details of the new Population Protection and Civil Defense Bill.
The legislation is set to introduce a systematic approach to warning the public about potential dangers, ensuring the safety of the populace, and establishing clear guidelines for the construction of new facilities to function as protective shelters.
The need for this overhaul stems from the recognition that national defense is not solely about military strength but involves the active participation of the entire society.
The bill aims to ensure that Poland is prepared for any scenario, not to instigate fear but so to deter potential adversaries from considering an attack.
One of the bill’s key features is the establishment of a civil defense unit to be headed by Kierwiński, marking a shift from the previous leadership under the chief of the State Fire Service.
This change signifies the importance the government places on civil defense, integrating it with the broader national security framework, reporters were told.
The proposal also includes plans for public education programs, from preschoolers to seniors, in particular in first aid training and emergency response preparedness.
This educational initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering a resilient society capable of facing various threats, according to officials.
Kierwiński highlighted the government’s duty to protect its citizens and restore the coordination between different state institutions and services that he said had been disrupted by the previous administration.
The proposed law aims to reestablish these connections and ensure a unified response to emergencies, including armed conflicts, natural disasters and environmental hazards, according to the government.
„After eight years wasted under PiS, there isn’t a day to lose,” said Kierwiński. PiS, or the Law and Justice party, led the previous right-wing government until October last year.
The bill also proposes the creation of a warning and alert system capable of informing individuals about impending threats through various means, including text messages and voice information systems. It also outlines procedures for the evacuation and temporary shelter of the population in crisis situations.
Another critical aspect of the legislation is the definition and registration of shelters and safe havens, along with financial support for these initiatives. The government intends to conduct an audit of existing shelters and develop a comprehensive system for their management.
The proposal also seeks to enhance societal resilience by educating the public on potential risks and responses, „drawing on Scandinavian models” and Ukraine’s experience with Russian aggression, officials said.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
