Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned on TVP Info that strained relations with President Karol Nawrocki could lead to serious problems, citing stalled promotions, disputed medals, and a lack of direct communication.
Minister Criticizes President’s Handling of Communication
Radosław Sikorski said he no longer understands what is happening after repeated attempts to reach President Nawrocki. “I am always at the president’s disposal but he is the higher-ranking official, so he decides to invite me,” he explained, noting that the president has his direct phone number yet has not used it. He described the overall tone of the relationship as confusing and contradictory.
Promotion Stalemate of 136 Security Personnel
In a discussion about a pending promotion for 136 agents to the rank of officer, Sikorski highlighted that the decision had not yet been made. “We need decisive action from Polish special‑services leadership to move forward,” he said. Minister Jacek Dobrzyński confirmed that every candidate was qualified but that the President’s refusal was unprecedented.
Medal Dispute and Questionable Allocation
The minister reported that 48 medals were presented to ministry staff for long service, despite an initial request for over 90. He said that the explanation for the limited distribution was unsatisfactory and that the presidential office had asked the ministry to return the medals. “We are receiving conflicting information,” Sikorski added.
Concerns over Cenckiewicz’s Access to Classified Information
Sikorski warned that a problem existed with the head of the Bureau of National Security, Sławomir Cenckiewicz, who has not been granted access to classified data. “I knew there would be trouble with that gentleman, and there is,” he said. Sikorski claimed to have received threats of a lawsuit from Cenckiewicz, which he said could threaten his academic reputation.
President Refuses to Approve Promotions
During early November, President Nawrocki declined to approve the promotions of 136 individuals to the Officer rank within the Internal Security Agency and Military Counterintelligence Service. The president’s spokesperson argued that the justifications for awarding medals were insufficient, leading the administration to request their return.
