Nawrocki even rejected the “certainties”. The army is seething after the president’s decisions
There were supposed to be 18 general promotions, but Karol Nawrocki’s decisions caused a storm in the army. Disappointed officers talk about political games and divisions.
The May general nominations were supposed to be a symbol of unity and strengthening of the Polish army at a time of growing threats from the East. Instead, a dispute broke out in the army due to political influence and personal power play at the highest level.
It’s hot in the army. General nominations turned into a political conflict
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz sent a list of 18 candidates for general promotions to the Presidential Palace. Ultimately, some of the names were crossed out by President Karol Nawrocki’s entourage.
The decision regarding Col. caused the most comments. Renart Skrzypczak, commander of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Wesoła. The officer is the son of the late General Waldemar Skrzypczak and for years has been considered one of the most experienced line commanders of the younger generation.
He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, completed the full command path and completed a general’s course. Despite this, he did not receive a nomination. According to Onet’s interlocutors, the decision was received very badly in the army.
Brig. Gen. found himself in a similar situation. Jan Wojno, current commander of the newly created 8th Infantry Division of the Home Army. Although he holds the position intended for a major general, he did not receive the second general star.
Controversy surrounding the candidates and allegations of arrangements
The case of Colonel also aroused emotions. Piotr Bieniek. The officer had previously become the commander of the 6th Airborne Brigade, although there had been controversy surrounding his candidacy for a long time. In the background there are, among others: a former conviction for beating officers and the fact that his father is an advisor to the Minister of Defense. According to Onet’s sources, the Presidential Palace did not want to agree to his promotion to general.
At the same time, the final list included officers indicated as favorites of the president’s entourage. Some military members openly criticize these decisions, claiming that preference is given to officials and staff officers at the expense of line commanders.
The army increasingly feels the tensions between the Ministry of National Defense and the Palace
The conflict over the nomination shows that relations between the Ministry of National Defense and the Presidential Palace will remain tense. Formally, the Minister of Defense presents the candidates, but Nawrocki has the final influence on the decision to approve them.
There are increasing concerns in the army that promotions are no longer solely the result of experience and competences, but are increasingly becoming an element of a political game for influence.
