A new poll shows Poles are nearly evenly split on reinstating mandatory military service, with 47.4% in favor and 46.1% opposed, according to a United Surveys by IBRiS survey published Saturday. The poll, conducted Oct. 2–4 on a nationwide sample of 1,000 people via phone and online interviews, found 22.4% strongly support reinstatement, while 25% somewhat support it. Among opponents, 26.3% somewhat oppose and 19.8% strongly oppose the measure, with 6.5% undecided.
Support varies sharply by political alignment. Among government coalition supporters, 51% oppose reinstatement, 40% support it, and 9% are undecided. In contrast, 57% of opposition supporters back mandatory service, 37% oppose it, and 6% are undecided. Among unaffiliated voters, 58% oppose reinstatement, 39% support it, and 3% are undecided.
Poland suspended mandatory military service in 2008, but the legal framework remains intact under the Homeland Defense Act, allowing its reinstatement in crisis situations. The survey’s margin of error is 3%, with a 95% confidence level.
The debate coincides with Poland’s expanding defense industry, as Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) announced plans to seek acquisitions across Europe to strengthen its position. PGZ President Adam Leszkiewicz stated the company aims to join the top 10 European defense firms and is exploring targets on NATO’s eastern flank. Deputy Minister of State Assets Konrad Gołota did not rule out a stock market debut to fund expansion, emphasizing the need for a clear strategy before pursuing such a move.
