President Nawrocki’s inner circle fracturing as tensions rise between key advisors amid fears of palace leaks and information access issues.
Palace Tensions Rise
Many in the Presidential Palace and PiS wish ill upon Cenckiewicz, according to a PiS politician speaking to “Newsweek.” Journalists report increasing tension in the Presidential Palace, with a growing dispute between Cenckiewicz and Przydacz at the forefront. Sources indicate a competency clash and substantive differences between the two officials.
Cenckiewicz-Przydacz Power Struggle
Sławomir Cenckiewicz has headed the National Security Office (BBN) since August 2025, previously serving as director of the Military Historical Office. Marcin Przydacz leads the Presidential Bureau of International Policy and previously worked with Andrzej Duda, with whom he reportedly had a falling out. A right-wing source described Przydacz as someone who can first wage war with someone, then cooperate with them.
Washington Incident Exacerbates Conflict
A flashpoint occurred in Washington in early December when Przydacz reportedly became outraged over deputy BBN heads (subordinate to Cenckiewicz) excluding Gen. Krzysztof Nolbert from Pentagon talks. Nolbert, who had prepared for weeks with US administration representatives, was allegedly told to wait in a car by Cenckiewicz’s associates because he works with PiS-disliked chargé d’affaires Bogdan Klich.
Classified Information Access Denied
The problem is compounded by the fact that Sławomir Cenckiewicz lacks access to classified information from special services. “People are afraid to give Cenckiewicz anything secret,” admitted a source from the Presidential Palace circle. Cenckiewicz’s absence from a January 15 meeting with President Nawrocki, defense minister, and special services heads was noted by TVN24.
Departures Loom for 2027
Nawrocki is reportedly trying to prevent a repeat of a “vice president” scenario like that of Marcin Mastalerk with Andrzej Duda. The Palace will see departures in 2027: Paweł Szefernaker, Adam Andruszkiewicz, Zbigniew Bogucki, and Marcin Przydacz, who will likely run for Sejm. Sources indicate Przydacz had even tried to convince the president to dismiss Cenckiewicz.
Kaczyński’s Premiership Plans
Jarosław Kaczyński wants to name a PiS candidate for prime minister this year who will become the face of upcoming elections. Potential candidates include Zbigniew Bogucki and Tobiasz Bocheński. “Plan A is Bogucki, who is increasingly associated with Karol Nawrocki,” writes Jacek Gądek. However, Nawrocki reportedly doesn’t want to let Bogucki go.
Subjects Respond to Reports
Cenckiewicz and Przydacz responded to Gądek’s article on platform X. Cenckiewicz wrote: “I read it. Favorable (photo):)” while Przydacz commented: “Photo not bad, content a bit weaker. Such gossipy-fairy-tale-like.” Przydacz added: “Together with Prof. Cenckiewicz and the entire KPRP management, we greet. We continue to act. The caravan goes on.”
Cenckiewicz Absent from Key Meeting
On Thursday (January 15), President Nawrocki met with the head of MON Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, and heads of special services. TVN24 reported Cenckiewicz did not participate. Journalists heard this may indicate the president’s people acknowledge Cenckiewicz lacks access to classified information. Siemoniak confirmed Cenckiewicz’s absence.
