Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday rejected the promotion of former intelligence officers to first‑rank officers, issuing a video rebuttal to Prime Minister Donald Tusk over criticism of his decision.
Nawrocki Responds to Tusk’s Video
President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday declined to sign the promotion of three former intelligence officers to first‑rank officer in the Internal Security Agency and Military Counterintelligence Service, a decision publicly announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk who criticized it on social media.
In response, Nawrocki uploaded a video accusing Tusk of lying about the appointment, claiming that the Premier had previously barred top intelligence chiefs from meeting him, stripping the president of access to critical security information.
Nawrocki Accuses Tusk of Lies
He warned that Tusk had presented himself as a king while a head of government, insisting that such self‑praise conflicts with the duty to co‑operate with the elected president, especially on national security matters.
He further denounced the Premier’s use of special forces for fleeting social‑media fame, calling it irresponsible and unacceptable, stressing that soldiers and officers should not become pawns in partisan power struggles.
Future Officers Face Halted Promotions
136 candidates from the Military Counterintelligence Service and the Internal Security Agency were scheduled to receive first‑rank officer promotions during the Independence Day celebrations, a plan now stalled by Nawrocki’s refusal.
Unprecedented Presidential Decision
The president’s action triggered criticism from Premier Tusk, who framed it as part of his ongoing “war” with the Polish government. Official spokespersons described the decision as unprecedented and said the intelligence officers were surprised and upset.
Despite the backlash, Nawrocki maintained that he would not allow partisan interests to override the state’s security needs.
