Nominations for generals had stalled, but the National Security Bureau (BBN) and the Ministry of Defence reached an agreement, Onet reports, setting the promotion for a close ally of former Defence Minister Macierewicz.
Are General Promotions Stuck?
The nomination process for generals had stalled, but BBN and the MND finally reached an agreement, Onet reported. As part of it, the promotion is set to go to “the man of former Defence Minister Anton Macierewicz.”
Negotiations and Rejections
According to Onet, the head of the National Security Bureau, Sławomir Cenkiewicz, initially tried to convince Karol Nawrocki not to award any general promotions during this year’s Polish Armed Forces Day. The president disagreed, and negotiations began between the MND and BBN, resulting in most officers selected by Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysza being rejected. Of the 20 candidates, only seven were retained, including Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, Major General Maciej Klisza; deputy staff of the Allied Command Operations, Brigadier General Mirosław Polakow; and commander of the 2nd Tactical Aviation Wing, Major General Norbert Chojnacki.
Generals and Controversies
General promotions may also go to the deputy chief of the Ministry of Defence Operational Centre, Colonel Mariusz Kubarek. As reported by Onet, he did not command a military structure and spent most of his career in offices, but is close to the current ministry leadership. Another potential candidate is the new head of the Directorate of Oversight of Armed Forces at BBN and “right‑hand man” of Sławomir Cenkiewicz—Brigadier General Adam Rzeczkowski. Onet says he is regarded as the “man” of former Defence Minister Anton Macierewicz because he was appointed by him as director of the MND Monitoring and Analysis Center in 2016. “He holds people tight, but in a negative sense,” an experienced officer said to Onet.
Poland’s Armed Forces Day Celebrations
The festive parade in Wysłostad will feature a military display with over a thousand soldiers and a variety of military equipment. This year’s highlight will be a sea parade on the Baltic Sea, viewable from Hel. “We are aware that thousands of tourists and Warsaw residents will attend these ceremonies. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, in cooperation with the city, have prepared for this.” Water for spectators, medical care and water curtains will be provided to create comfortable viewing conditions, according to Deputy commander of the Warsaw Garrison, Major General Damian Matysiak.
Details About Armed Forces Day
For more information about Polish Armed Forces Day, see the article: “Preparing the largest parade in the history of the Polish Armed Forces. MND head revealed details.”
