Polish President Karol Nawrocki has approved officer nominations for the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) but continues to withhold approval for the Internal Security Agency (ABW), prompting criticism from government officials.
President Approves SKW Nominations After Delay
On Friday, President Karol Nawrocki, following a request from Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, approved the appointment of 78 soldiers and officers from the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) to the first officer rank (lieutenant).
The President had refrained from signing the nominations since early November, citing a lack of crucial information regarding state security and the cancellation of meetings with intelligence agency heads by government leadership.
Siemoniak Urges Separation of Politics and Appointments
Tomasz Siemoniak stated on Saturday, “I am pleased with the long-awaited and well-deserved promotions to the first officer rank for SKW officers and soldiers. It is good that the President acceded to the requests of the SKW Chief, General Stróżyk, supported by the Minister of National Defense, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Now it’s time for the ABW officer nominations, Mr. President!”
Siemoniak argued against interpreting the delay as a punishment for ABW, noting that SKW and its leaders had faced even harsher criticism from presidential officials. He added that concerns were addressed during a January 15th meeting with intelligence agency heads and that the prosecutor’s office is also investigating the matter.
President’s “Majority” Approval and Previous Discussions
The President reportedly approved the nominations “in the majority.”
In mid-January, President Nawrocki met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister Coordinator of Special Services Tomasz Siemoniak, and the heads of ABW, the Foreign Intelligence Agency, SKW, and the Military Intelligence Service. The Defense Minister announced that nomination requests for the services would be resubmitted to the President’s office, adding that the President would “in the majority” approve the submitted requests.
Concerns Over Paralysis of Security Services
Siemoniak emphasized that it has been six months since the President last signed officer nominations for ABW and SKW. He reminded followers on X (formerly Twitter) that requests in this matter had been submitted twice.
Siemoniak warned that delaying nominations paralyzes the service, suspends training for future candidates, and discourages those interested in serving, ultimately harming Poland and its security. He stressed the need to separate officer nominations from political disputes, stating that no one benefits from the current situation.