President Karol Nawrocki has refused to sign officer commissions for 78 soldiers and personnel from the Internal Security Agency (SKW), prompting criticism from government officials.
President Delays Officer Appointments
President of Poland and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Karol Nawrocki, has declined to approve the appointment of 78 soldiers and SKW personnel to the first officer rank (lieutenant) upon the request of the Minister of National Defence. The Presidential Office stated a formal decree will be issued following countersignature by the Prime Minister.
Government Criticizes Presidential Action
Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, the special services coordinator, noted that the President has not signed officer commissions for the Internal Security Agency (SKW) and the Foreign Intelligence Agency (ABW) for six months. He emphasized these individuals risk their lives and health for national security.
Siemoniak stated that requests for these appointments were submitted twice, and the lack of signatures paralyzes the services and negatively impacts morale. He assessed the delay negatively affects Poland’s security, comparing it to the veto regarding SAFE.
Siemoniak criticized the actions as “anti-state” and expressed his views on X (formerly Twitter).
Prime Minister Accuses President of Political Motives
On November 7th, Prime Minister Donald Tusk released a statement on X, stating that 136 SKW and ABW personnel were scheduled for promotion to the first officer rank before November 11th. He explained that these individuals are patriots who choose to serve Poland.
Tusk accused President Nawrocki of blocking the promotions as part of an ongoing conflict with the Polish government, stating that winning elections is insufficient to be President.
