Polish premier Donald Tusk said the government may resubmit promotion requests for 136 special services officers while waiting for President Karol Nawrocki’s decision.
President Refuses Promotions
President Karol Nawrocki ultimately declined to sign promotions to the first‑officer rank for 136 officers of the Internal Security Agency and the Military Counterintelligence Service. The denial was reported by premier Donald Tusk on 7 November, citing lack of acceptance at the Presidential Palace.
Accusations Between President and Prime Minister
Nawrocki accused the prime minister of preventing him from meeting the heads of special services—a point he said was the reason for the withholding of the promotions.
Government Office Sends Requests Back
Minister of Defense Tomasz Siemoniak announced that the Presidential Office had returned the governmental requests regarding ABW promotions. A similar letter concerning the Military Counterintelligence Service was sent to the Ministry of National Defense.
President’s Spokesperson Explains Delay
“We referred these requests back without consideration, because as the president has said, he is waiting for a meeting with the heads of special services,” said spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz in a conversation with Polsat News.
Defense Ministry Calls for Positive Decision
Minister of National Defense and Vice Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz urged President Nawrocki again for a positive decision on first‑officer promotions, arguing that young officers should not be punished for their political views or the government’s alleged reluctance.
Resubmission Still Possible, Says Spokesperson
According to spokesperson Jacek Dobrzyński, the resubmission of ABW promotion requests remains an option: “It will be sent back if the president says there is remorse and that he will sign it.”
Dispute Over State Decorations
Siemoniak also confirmed on X that President Nawrocki declined to award state decorations to special services officers, which were to be presented on Independence Day. He wrote, “Also to those who fight sabotage acts on the orders of foreign services. They risk their lives for our security. They deserve our highest respect. Even the president’s dire decisions cannot take that away. All Poland is with you!”
Government Claims Decorations Pending
Spokesman Leśkiewicz said the government’s requests for decorations had not been rejected; they are awaiting consideration, but the president must sign each one and desires to meet the officers first. He added that the requests include names of officers who allegedly were involved in actions against Nawrocki during the campaign.
Political Fallout and Allegations
Critics accused the president’s spokesman of lying about the Independence Day honors. Additionally, the controversy links back to an apartment case from 2019 where Nawrocki was said to have acquired the property from Gdańsk resident Jerzy Ż, later donated for charity. Information released by Onet was disputed by the officer’s staff, who argued it came from the ABW.
Donald Tusk Blames President for Sabotage
Premier Donald Tusk wrote, “President stubbornly refuses to sign the promotion requests for young special services officers to the first officer rank and the decorations for those who fought foreign sabotage. This is not just an attempt to take over the government’s competence; it is sabotage aimed at the state’s security!”
