Polish PM vows support for Silesia’s postindustrial transformation
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged government support for the economic transformation of the southern Silesian province, focusing on revitalisation and a transition toward the defence industry.
With deadlines for meeting the EU's climate goals fast approaching, the Polish government has been seeking to reinvent Silesia's economy, long dominated by heavy industry and coal mining.
During a visit on Tuesday to the bankrupt boilermaker Rafako's plant in the southern city of Raciborz on Tuesday, Tusk spoke about potential state aid for redeveloping post-mining areas and outlined two possible courses of action.
The first option, he said, would involve repurposing industrial sites for partial social use — a costly approach that would require private-sector investment, as public funds alone would be insufficient.
The second option, described by Tusk as a "gigantic plan for Silesia," envisions transforming the region into a hub for the defence industry. While complex, he argued, this shift appeared more feasible from a financial standpoint.
"We are relocating and will continue to relocate arms production from various locations, or create new ventures right here in Silesia," Tusk said. "It makes no sense, if only for environmental reasons, seek new sites somewhere else in Poland for heavy industry, since everything here is already largely in place."
The prime minister cited Tuesday's decision to launch the production of Jelcz military vehicles in Rafako's facilities, a move which would create over 500 jobs. Rafako had been one of the region's largest employers before declaring bankruptcy in December 2024.
Earlier this year, in April, Tusk declared to transfer over PLN 700 million (EUR 164 mln) to the Industrial Development Agency to support Rafako and Rafamet, two financially troubled engineering companies based in Raciborz. (PAP)
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