Sławomir Cenckiewicz resigned as head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, prompting Prime Minister Donald Tusk to describe a “fight to the death” within the Presidential Palace.
Resignation and Internal Palace Conflict
The resignation of Sławomir Cenckiewicz, head of the National Security Bureau (BBN), unfolded within the Presidential Palace, where Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes a “fight for life” is taking place between President Karol Nawrocki’s staff.
Tusk stated he had no involvement in Cenckiewicz’s resignation.
Access to Classified Information
Cenckiewicz announced his resignation on Thursday, claiming the Donald Tusk government had obstructed his duties by denying him access to classified information.
Tusk on the Situation
While on an informal EU summit in Cyprus, Prime Minister Tusk described the situation as occurring “within the Palace,” characterizing it as a “fight to the death” among President Nawrocki’s staff.
Cenckiewicz’s Character and Dismissal
Tusk described Cenckiewicz as a candid individual who openly shares his thoughts, suggesting this honesty ultimately led to his dismissal. He added he suspects who was behind it, but declined to name them.
Cenckiewicz’s Allegations Against the Government
Cenckiewicz accused the current government of “brutal interference and pressure” on the BBN, claiming their actions had paralyzed the bureau’s operations and prevented him from fulfilling his role. He asserted that the Supreme Administrative Court ruling did not improve the situation, but rather intensified harassment and investigations.
Tusk Dismisses Responsibility
Tusk dismissed suggestions of his involvement, stating, “You were probably laughing as you read this. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone resign for this reason… They wanted to get rid of him, they gave him a good pretext. He wrote that ‘it’s all Tusk’s fault,’ and somehow it worked for them. But you’ll agree, it was very funny.”
Presidential Palace Response
President accepted Cenckiewicz’s resignation. Presidential Spokesman Rafał Leśkiewicz stated there was no conflict between Cenckiewicz and any member of the President’s Chancellery, and that the resignation was a responsible decision, preventing the government from using Cenckiewicz as a pretext for unlawful actions against the President and Chancellery.
Coalition’s View and Security Clearance
Members of the ruling coalition believe the resignation stems from internal conflicts within the Presidential Palace, potentially a disagreement with Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential Bureau of International Policy. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek noted the difficulty of advising the President without valid security clearance.
Appointment of Kowalski
General Andrzej Kowalski, a former head of the Military Intelligence Service and Cenckiewicz’s former deputy, has been appointed as the acting head of the BBN.
