Former National Security Bureau head Sławomir Cenckiewicz launched a scathing attack on Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, prompting a strong defense from the Polish People’s Party and Civic Coalition.
Cenckiewicz Accuses Kosiniak-Kamysz of Incompetence and Serving Tusk
Sławomir Cenckiewicz criticized Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz for opposing funding for the Polish army, calling it “stupidity” and claiming he harmed Poland. He further alleged Kosiniak-Kamysz’s leadership at the Ministry of National Defence is symbolized by individuals like Stróżyk, Dusza, Pacek, Lichocki, and Klin.
Cenckiewicz accused the Defense Minister of poor preparation regarding national security issues and outdated strategic documents, also targeting the SAFE project, claiming the ministry’s draft law is 90% plagiarized from the President’s legislation. He accused Kosiniak-Kamysz of merely adopting the purchases of his predecessor, Błaszczak, and presenting the President’s work as his own.
The former BBN chief also accused Kosiniak-Kamysz of political subservience to Donald Tusk, alleging a conspiracy to dismantle Poland’s system, constitution, and rule of law.
PSL Defends Kosiniak-Kamysz, Criticizes Cenckiewicz
Politicians from the Polish People’s Party (PSL) swiftly defended Kosiniak-Kamysz, with Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak urging Cenckiewicz to show more humility and learn “patriotism, responsibility for the state, and respect for the Polish uniform” from the Defense Minister.
Klimczak dismissed Cenckiewicz’s attacks as driven by “party fury” and lacking factual basis, stating his previous dismissal from the President’s office should have taught him a lesson. Europoseł Adam Jarubas suggested Cenckiewicz is struggling with the stress of his dismissal and resorting to attacking others instead of addressing internal power struggles within the President’s Chancellery.
Coalition Allies Join Defense of Minister
PSL politicians, including Paweł Bejda and Urszula Pasławska, emphasized the ongoing modernization of the Polish army under Kosiniak-Kamysz’s leadership and the record levels of funding allocated to defense. They criticized Cenckiewicz for relying on “noise” to regain relevance after losing influence.
Politicians from the Civic Coalition (KO) also voiced their support for Kosiniak-Kamysz, with Cezary Tomczyk expressing pride in working under his leadership and Piotr Zgorzelski accusing Cenckiewicz of undermining national unity. Krzysztof Hetman stated the Polish Army is not a party stronghold.
Cenckiewicz’s Attacks Linked to Loss of Influence
Miłosz Motyka from PSL criticized Cenckiewicz, stating that lacking any achievements as head of the BBN, he can only incite discord. Several politicians pointed to Cenckiewicz’s recent dismissal from the President’s Chancellery as a potential source of frustration and a motive for his attacks.
The dispute follows a pattern of increasingly sharp attacks by Cenckiewicz against government representatives since his dismissal, with reports suggesting he has joined the team of Przemysław Czarnek, the PiS candidate for Prime Minister.