Restructuring Efforts Within Andrzej Duda's Presidential Office Signal Shift Amid Conflicts
Poland's President Andrzej Duda has initiated significant changes within his presidential office, following the resignation of Jacek Siewiera, the head of the National Security Bureau (BBN). Officially, Siewiera decided to step down to pursue studies at the University of Oxford, but the timing of his departure has raised eyebrows amid speculations of internal conflicts.
On February 3, Duda confirmed the changes during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, designifying General Dariusz Łukowski as Siewiera's successor. Duda remarked, "This change, besides saying goodbye to Jacek Siewiera, is an internal reshuffle related to transfers, delegations of responsibilities, and promotions." These comments hint at the broader dynamics at play within the presidential office.
Reports suggest Siewiera's resignation may not be solely based on academic ambitions. Allegedly, he was involved in tensions with Małgorzata Paprocka, head of the President's Chancellery. According to Onet, Paprocka's influence has been growing since her appointment mid-last year, and the strife is said to involve rival factions within the office.
With Siewiera's exit, Mieszko Pawlak has been removed from his position as head of the International Policy Bureau and is now the Deputy Head of the BBN for Security. His vacancy has been filled by Wojciech Kolarski, Duda's long-time ally and friend, who has been tasked with strengthening Poland's international relations, particularly with the new American administration. Nikodem Rachoń, brother of Telewizja Republika’s program director Michał Rachoń, will also step up as Kolarski's deputy. Rachoń has criticized the idea of advancing personnel due to personal connections, emphasizing competence instead.
These personnel changes hint at more than just administrative updates, as they align with Duda’s attempt to rejuvenate the office. "These were planned changes," Duda explained, pointing out their necessity for adapting to relations with Washington. "Now is the time to act quickly, and these personnel changes should bring coherence and reliability to our focus on security and international cooperation during these challenging times."
Generals Łukowski and Mirosław Wiklik will lead the BBN with military experience, bringing stability to the bureau amid the political turbulence. Duda expressed his gratitude to Siewiera for nearly three years of service, recalling instances of national security crises during his tenure.
The approach to appointing new leaders reflects strategic planning by Duda’s camp as the administration prepares for significant international events, particularly the upcoming Three Seas Initiative summit, where Duda will aim to solidify ties with American officials.
While Duda emphasizes the positive aspects of these changes, critics have voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of these reshuffles on the integrity of the administrative systems governing Polish national security and foreign policy. How these adjustments will influence Duda's remaining time as president remains to be seen, but they are undoubtedly setting the stage for the final act of his term, which concludes officially on August 5, 2025.
Jacek Siewiera's tenure was marked by moments of intense pressure, especially during crises like the missile incident at the border, which tested the BBN's response protocols. Duda's acknowledgment of this stress points to the heavy responsibilities faced by those stepping up to fill these revitalized roles.
The new appointments, particularly those aligning closely with the ruling party's interests, raise questions about the independence of these offices. The balance between political loyalty and professional capability is of utmost importance as Poland approaches significant elections later this year, with the first round scheduled for May 18.
While some view the changes as necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and coherence within the presidential office, others interpret these shifts as consolidations of power by individuals closely aligned with Duda’s interests. The next few months will be pivotal for Polish politics as Duda navigates his last stretch of presidency, attempting to cement his legacy as the elections loom.