President Karol Nawrocki signed 96 officer nominations for the Internal Security Agency and 109 state decorations on April 15th, prompting reactions from Polish politicians.
President Signs Officer Nominations, State Decorations
Presidential Spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz announced on Wednesday, April 15th, that Karol Nawrocki signed 96 first-degree officer nominations for the Internal Security Agency (ABW) the previous day. He also awarded a total of 109 state decorations to members of the Foreign Intelligence Agency and the Military Intelligence Service.
Siemoniak: “It’s About Time”
Minister Coordinator of Special Services Tomasz Siemoniak commented on the President’s decision via social media, stating, “It’s about time! ABW officers have been waiting for the President’s nomination decision since November.”
Siemoniak added, “Expressing gratitude on behalf of the officers, I hope that officer nominations will never again be an element of political games. Neither the officers nor the services deserve this. We already have further well-justified applications that we will submit for the President’s approval and the Prime Minister’s countersignature. All for Poland and the safety of Poles!”
Dobrzyński: Decision After Prolonged Wait “Is Concerning”
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister Coordinator of Special Services, also commented during a press briefing in the Sejm. He described the news as “excellent” and expressed sincere thanks to the President on behalf of the officers.
Dobrzyński emphasized that the nominations were prepared thoroughly, with detailed descriptions of each officer’s service record, achievements, and training. He noted the officers worked hard to achieve this first officer rank.
However, he expressed concern that the President’s decision came after more than six months. He pointed out that traditionally, such nominations are granted on November 11th, Independence Day, and questioned why April 15th, World Day of Sobriety, was chosen instead.
Hope for Future Decoupling from Politics
Dobrzyński also expressed hope that such issues will not arise in the future. He stated, “You cannot play politics at the expense of officers. You cannot treat them as part of strange games or displays of pique.”
Political Commentary on the Delay
KO MP Katarzyna Matusik-Lipiec commented on the matter on the X platform, stating, “Better late than never. In the future, Poland’s affairs first, then the gym…”
