Sławomir Cenckiewicz resigned as head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, alleging unlawful actions by the Tusk government and interference in his access to classified information.
Cenckiewicz Resigns, Cites Government Interference
Sławomir Cenckiewicz announced his resignation as head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) on Thursday. The resignation was accepted, and General Andrzej Kowalski has been appointed as acting head of the BBN, according to presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz.
Conflict Over Security Clearances
The resignation comes amid a dispute over security clearances. Cenckiewicz stated his decision was prompted by what he described as unlawful actions by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, which he claims disregards court rulings and unjustly revoked his access to classified information.
Cenckiewicz’s Statement on X
In a post on X, Cenckiewicz stated, “Due to the unlawful actions of Donald Tusk’s government, which does not respect valid court rulings and unjustifiably deprives me of access to classified information, I submitted my resignation as Secretary of State – Head of the National Security Bureau to President Karol Nawrocki on April 22, 2026.” He added he would support the president in a different role.
Responsibility for the State
Cenckiewicz explained he made the decision “out of responsibility for the state, whose important office – the National Security Bureau – has been subjected to brutal interference and pressure from the government of Donald Tusk.” He claimed this interference paralyzed the BBN’s operations and prevented him from fulfilling his duties, appointed by the President on August 7, 2025.
Continued Harassment and Investigations
He added that the ruling of the Supreme Administrative Court on April 15th did not change the situation, but rather intensified further harassment, persecution, and investigations.
Political Warfare and Support for Czarnak
Cenckiewicz announced his intention to engage in political warfare, offering support to Przemysław Czarnak. He stated his knowledge of Prime Minister Tusk’s alleged role in subordinating Poland to the Russian Federation between 2007-2014, his involvement in the liquidation of the Military Intelligence Services, and the exposure of Lech Wałęsa as a dangerous SB agent are the true reasons for the repression he has faced since December 13, 2023.
Delegitimization of the President
He warned that the goal of those currently governing Poland is to delegitimize the president, limit his powers, and ultimately destroy and remove Karol Nawrocki from office. Cenckiewicz stated his resignation aims to relieve the Presidential Office from constant pressure and interference.
Return to Public Commentary
Cenckiewicz announced his return to a role as a researcher, academic lecturer, publicist, and political commentator. He intends to strongly challenge the current government’s actions and support the mission of Professor Przemysław Czarnak, offering his knowledge and experience as a candidate for Prime Minister.
Report Annex and Potential Release
The situation is linked to the potential public release of an annex to the report on the influence of Russian intelligence services (WSI).
Presidential Spokesperson Defends Cenckiewicz
Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz emphasized that Cenckiewicz’s resignation was a response to unlawful actions by the government, which disregarded court rulings and unjustly revoked his access to classified information, paralyzing the BBN. He confirmed the resignation was accepted on April 23rd and General Andrzej Kowalski was appointed as acting head.
Decision Not Taken Lightly
Leśkiewicz stressed that Cenckiewicz’s decision was not made lightly or emotionally, but responsibly, as a state official who did not want to be a pretext for unlawful government actions against the President and the Presidential Chancellery.
Cenckiewicz to Remain in Presidential Office
Cenckiewicz will continue to work within the Presidential Chancellery as Chairman of the Security and Defense Council, and will also advise the President on security matters. Leśkiewicz dismissed claims of a conflict between Cenckiewicz and other presidential officials, calling them fabricated and part of a disinformation campaign by the Tusk government.
Andruszkiewicz Praises Cenckiewicz’s Work
Adam Andruszkiewicz, Deputy Head of the Chancellery of the President, praised Cenckiewicz’s “brilliant work for Poland” within the BBN, emphasizing his commitment to national interests and his willingness to address difficult topics like universal military training.
NSA Ruling on Security Clearances
On April 15th, the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed appeals from the Prime Minister’s Office against decisions by the Warsaw Administrative Court, which had overturned the revocation of Cenckiewicz’s security clearances for access to classified information.
Access to Classified Information Remains Unclear
The Minister Coordinator of Special Services’ spokesperson, Jacek Dobrzyński, stated that the NSA ruling did not automatically restore Cenckiewicz’s access to classified information, as a control verification procedure was still underway.
