Investigative findings indicate that a dispute with Poland’s Military Counterintelligence Service, a controversial apartment deal, and disputed security clearances prompted President‑elect Karol Nawrocki’s recent decision.
Security Clearance Dispute
According to RMF FM, the disagreement with the Military Counterintelligence Service involved Sławomir Cenckiewicz and centered on a safety certificate for a presidential minister that was later withdrawn by the head of the SKW.
Officers said the matter was significant to the promotion of officers, and the ABW’s decision concerned a certificate from the Presidential Palace alleging staff involvement in the last presidential campaign. The leak reportedly involved information about Mr. Jerzy’s apartment.
ABW’s Role and Presidential Decision
Insiders claim the Internal Security Agency (ABW) was to prevent Nawrocki from becoming president, allegedly by withholding key clearances. The decision was tied to the unresolved security clearance dispute and the apartment leak.
Donald Tusk’s Criticism
In response, Donald Tusk said he would have attended a ceremony where 136 future intelligence officers were to receive first‑rank promotions. He argued that the president’s refusal to sign the promotions constitutes a “continuation of war” against the government.
Apartment Controversy
During a pre‑election debate in April, Nawrocki claimed to own a single apartment, but Onet later revealed he owned two units. A short while afterward, the paper reported he had taken a municipal one‑room apartment from 80‑year‑old Jerzy Ż., in exchange for caretaking.
Later, spokesperson Emilia Wierzbicki said Nawrocki had helped the former owner for years, and Ż. had promised to hand the apartment over. In December, Nawrocki lost contact with Ż. and could not locate him through neighbours or friends. Journalists found it only a few hours to confirm that Ż. was in a social assistance home. Ultimately, Nawrocki handed the apartment to a charity. According to “Fakt” in October, the apartment is now owned by the president and the Christian Charitable Association of Gdynia.