Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticized President Karol Nawrocki’s attempts to exert influence over European policy and stalled ambassadorial nominations this week.
Sikorski Accuses Nawrocki of Overreach
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that the President lacks the constitutional authority or expertise to engage in European policy, suggesting it would be patriotic for Nawrocki to focus on fulfilling his duties rather than seeking to expand his power.
Sikorski also pointed to the ongoing delays in appointing ambassadors to Tehran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kyiv.
Renewed Calls for Ambassadorial Appointments
This is not the first time Sikorski has urged the President to approve ambassadorial nominations; he previously appealed to Nawrocki in February following a parliamentary address, expressing hope for a positive outcome after initial discussions.
MSWiA Chief Echoes Criticism
Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński echoed Sikorski’s sentiments, stating that President Nawrocki appears uncomfortable with the constitutional limitations of his office and desires excessive authority. He emphasized that no one is above the Constitution.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: President Not Ambassadors’ Superior
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) reiterated that the President is not the direct superior of ambassadors.
Ongoing Dispute Over Nominations
The dispute between the government and the presidential office regarding ambassadorial nominations began in March 2024, when Sikorski decided to end the missions of over 50 ambassadors and withdraw previously submitted candidates. Former President Andrzej Duda had asserted that presidential approval is essential for both appointing and recalling ambassadors.
Charged d’Affaires Appointed Amidst Impasse
In place of ambassadors who departed their posts without formal recall by the President, the MSZ appointed diplomats with the status of chargé d’affaires. President Nawrocki specifically opposes the nominations of Bogdan Klich for Washington D.C. and Ryszard Schnepf for Italy.
Negotiations and Potential Concessions
According to OKO.press, Sikorski is accused of disregarding the President’s constitutional powers and failing to consult with him on candidates. However, Sikorski reportedly indicated a willingness to reconsider Klich’s candidacy for Washington, and Schnepf’s fate is now at the discretion of the Foreign Minister.
MSZ Source: Government Authority on Ambassadorial Appointments
An MSZ source told OKO.press in January that the government is consistently seeking compromise, urging the President to propose candidates who meet the necessary criteria. The source emphasized that while the President’s position is respected, it should not supersede the government’s right to nominate ambassadors, and that the Foreign Minister, not the President, is the ambassadors’ superior.