Poles are divided when it comes to compulsory military service but a majority say they would not leave their homeland if a war broke out. The Pollster Research Institute, on behalf of “Super Express,” asked Poles, “Would you stay in Poland if a war broke out in our country?”
The majority of respondents, 65 percent, would not leave the country in the face of war, according to the survey, reported on by the Wydarzenia news portal. Some 35 percent, however, would decide to leave Poland.
Regarding compulsory military service, 45 percent of respondents are in favor, while 42 percent are against it and 13 percent have no opinion on the matter. As indicated by “Super Express,” men (47 percent) are more in favor of this idea than women (42 percent). Young respondents definitely do not want compulsory military service, with just 16 percent of them supporting this option.
The war in Ukraine, which has now been going on for over three years, has prompted Poland to reflect on its defense capabilities. Recently, there has been an increasing amount of discussion on compulsory military service and weapons build-up to increase the country’s defense capabilities.
Another measure being considered on this front is universal, voluntary military training.
Donald Tusk addressed this matter on Tuesday. “I asked the Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, to increase the state’s capabilities so that everyone interested could participate,” he said, adding that “there is no shortage of people willing to serve the homeland.”
The prime minister also announced that Poland will have 100,000 trained volunteers by 2027.
The issue of compulsory military service is also being debated in Germany at the moment, with some proposing that women also be included in the draft.
