Poll reveals Polish willingness to defend nation in event of attack

A recent survey indicates that a quarter of Poland's population is prepared to take up arms voluntarily in the event of a military attack on their country. The IBRiS poll, conducted in October for the Rzeczpospolita newspaper, found that 25.6% of respondents would immediately enlist, while 20.4% would comply if formally drafted into the armed forces.

Varied Responses to Potential Conflict

The study revealed diverse public attitudes toward national defense scenarios. While 36.5% of Poles surveyed said they would prioritize protecting their families in their current locations, 22.3% indicated they would relocate their families within Poland for safety. Meanwhile, 12.7% admitted they would attempt to leave the country altogether, and 15.2% stated they would take no specific action in the face of an attack.

Political Divisions in Defensive Posture

The survey uncovered clear political correlations in defensive willingness. Opposition party supporters and undecided voters demonstrated the highest voluntary enlistment rates at 29% and 33% respectively. These potential volunteers were predominantly men in their fifties from small towns with primary or vocational education, many of whom had previously supported far-right political candidates.

Demographics of Conscription and Flight

Respondents who said they would wait for formal conscription tended to be men over thirty from rural areas with higher education, typically supporters of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. Conversely, those most likely to flee Poland were predominantly women in their forties with university degrees who support Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition, highlighting significant demographic and political divides in national defense attitudes.