A Lexus stolen from Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s family set off a cascade of disciplinary actions within the State Protection Service, forcing senior staff resignations and prompting a controversial extension of security measures.
Prime Minister Rages, SOP Faces Personnel Changes
The night‑time theft prompted Minister of Interior Marcin Kierwiński to demand a meeting with the prime minister. A director and his deputy at the State Protection Service were dismissed, while the service commander was placed on a six‑month forced leave. The move appeared to sideline officials without a presidential decree, and no formal sanctions have yet been imposed on the individual officers involved.
Full‑Family Shield Provokes Public Debate
Extending SOP coverage to the entire Tusk family has no precedent, and critics question its necessity and propriety. Reports highlight deficiencies in the prime minister’s previous protection arrangements, which were limited to vehicle patrols near his residence, and call for police action when threats emerge.
The 9–10 September Theft That Set the Stage
A Lexus belonging to the Tusk family was stolen in the night of 9‑10 September from Sobota, found hours later in Gdańsk, and four days after the suspect— a 41‑year‑old man planning a flight to Bulgaria—was arrested and jailed for three months. Police note that the thief knew the vehicle’s value but did not know who owned it.
