On Friday, 7 November, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a video on X, condemning the president’s refusal to approve first‑rank officer promotions for 136 counter‑intelligence and security agency recruits and labeling it a continuation of the president’s conflict with the government.
Video Highlights Tusk’s Tension with the President
In the X video, Tusk explained that he was supposed to attend a ceremony that would have awarded first‑rank officer promotions to 136 highly trained Polish men and women slated for future roles in counter‑intelligence and the Internal Security Agency.
He noted that such ceremonies normally precede 11 November and that the proposals had been submitted to the President’s office as usual.
Denied Promotions for 136 Future Counter‑Intelligence Officers
Tusk said the 136 recruits were “patriots” who had completed studies and officer courses, and many families were waiting for them to receive their promotions before 11 November.
He warned that the president’s decision to withhold the signatures would deny the recruits their expected advancement and that it signals “a continuation of the war” between the president and the government.
Tusk Accuses the President of Continuing a War
“To be president is not enough to win the elections,” Tusk stated, suggesting the refusal to sign the promotions is part of an ongoing dispute over executive authority.
Minister Siemoniak Calls the Refusal Unprecedented
Special‑services coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak echoed Tusk’s concerns, calling the president’s move an unprecedented blow to the state security system and to those who wish to serve Poland.