The number of permits to carry guns in public in Poland has been accelerating, though only 0.145% of adults have a permit. The number of licensed firearms also increased to 930,100, equal to 2.94 firearms per 100 people.
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In a significant shift in societal attitudes towards personal safety and firearms ownership, Poland has witnessed a record number of permits issued for carrying weapons in 2024, with 45,800 permits granted—an all-time high since the regime change in 1989. According to the Polish police, this surge reflects concerns among citizens about national security and personal safety, spurred by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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The numbers reveal a troubling trend. In 2023, the total permits issued were also noteworthy at 40,900, up from 37,400 in 2022, indicating a steady increase in the acceptance of firearm ownership among Poles. This rise comes alongside a broader context wherein private individuals in Poland now possess approximately 930,100 units of firearms, nearly doubling the figure from 2017. . . .
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With more individuals seeking to acquire licenses, concerns about the potential for increased crime rates naturally arise. However, lawyer Andrzej Turczyn assured that the reality does not support such fears. “The number of crimes committed with legally held weapons has not increased due to the sharp rise in gun licenses,” he explained, adding, “Poles remain one of the least armed European nations.” . . .
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Evrim Agaci, “Record Number Of Firearm Permits Issued In Poland,” Pinnacle Grazette, March 25, 2025.
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