Konfederacja leader Sławomir Mentzen refused to retract his harsh criticisms of General Wiesław Kukuła during a meeting in Pruszcz Gdański, expressing regret for not being even more forceful.
No Retraction from Mentzen
Sławomir Mentzen, leader of the Konfederacja party, stated on Wednesday in Pruszcz Gdański that he does not intend to withdraw his recent criticisms of General Wiesław Kukuła, the Chief of the General Staff. He expressed regret for not being more forceful and for not making the remarks sooner, noting he had previously held himself back.
Critique of Military Leadership
During a meeting in Elbląg, Mentzen questioned the competence of the military leadership, specifically targeting General Kukuła. He claimed the General lacks the necessary command experience and criticized his remarks regarding the use of missiles against “plywood drones.”
Findings of the NIK Report
Mentzen based his assessment on a secret report from the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) regarding the mobilization and combat capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. He expressed shock at the report’s findings and claimed to have been publicly warning about the poor state of the army for two years.
The politician criticized the status of reserves and equipment shortages, noting that despite spending 150 billion PLN on American hardware, the results are not immediate. He called for urgent corrective actions and greater transparency in national defense preparations.
Political Repercussions
The remarks drew sharp rebukes from political figures. Deputy Marshal Krzysztof Bosak described the comments as offensive and untrue, arguing that politicians, not generals, bear responsibility for military neglect. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz added that calling the Chief of Staff “abnormal” shows a total lack of responsibility for national security. Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki shared a photo with General Kukuła, calling him “The First Soldier of the Republic.”
KPRP Chief Zbigniew Bogucki stated that public discourse should maintain certain boundaries of personal culture and that national security discussions should remain balanced, even during disagreements.
General Kukuła’s Military Career
General Wiesław Kukuła is one of the two highest-ranking officers in the Polish military, with over 30 years of service. His career includes serving in the Polish military contingent in Iraq and various command roles, including leading the Territorial Defense Forces.