Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski has challenged President Karol Nawrocki’s assertion that he was unaware of the defense cooperation treaty between Poland and the UK, calling the President’s claims a mockery.
The Controversy Over Treaty Awareness
Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski (KO) addressed President Karol Nawrocki’s claim that he only learned about the defense cooperation treaty between Poland and the UK “from public opinion.” The historic document, signed on Wednesday, May 27, by Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer, commits both nations to mutual aid in the event of an armed attack, pending formal ratification.
Allegations of Misinformation
During the “Śniadanie w Trójce” program on Polish Radio, Senator Kwiatkowski argued that the President is not telling the truth. He stated that the treaty was discussed within the National Security and Defense Committee, where presidential representatives were present, and dismissed claims that the information was relayed too late or by an improper official.
Constitutional Roles and Foreign Policy
Kwiatkowski emphasized that the government, not the President, is responsible for conducting foreign policy under the constitution. He clarified that while the President plays a role in the ratification process, he lacks the authority to negotiate such treaties, labeling the presidential office’s complaints as an attempt to undermine a vital security agreement.
Presidential and Staff Stance
Karol Nawrocki stated that he learned of the treaty through the courtesy of a deputy minister and questioned why the presidential office was not formally informed during the drafting process. Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau, added that the government did not consult the presidential center, claiming the treaty’s text only reached the office one day before the signing.
Strategic Importance of the Agreement
Kwiatkowski defended the treaty as a necessary bilateral supplement to NATO, facilitating defense industry cooperation and intelligence sharing. He warned that the President’s attempts to discredit the agreement with the UK, a leading defense power, jeopardize Poland’s national interests.
