A commander at the military unit in Czarne has been accused of pressuring subordinate soldiers to sign petitions supporting presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski. He now faces prosecutorial charges for violating the law and compromising the neutrality of the armed forces. Similar politically motivated activities have also reportedly occurred in a company subordinate to the Ministry of Defense.
In a battalion located in Czarne (Pomeranian Voivodeship), a lieutenant allegedly coerced soldiers under his command into supporting Rafał Trzaskowski’s candidacy. He reportedly collected their personal identification numbers (PESEL) and aggressively pushed them to sign support lists, even promising days off in exchange for signatures.
Commander Faces Charges
The investigation, overseen by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Gdynia, concerns allegations of signature collection by a lieutenant within the military unit for a presidential candidate. The Military Police Department in Oleszno initiated the investigation on February 27, 2025. When asked about the progress of the inquiry by Niezależna.pl, the Prosecutor’s Office stated:
“This preliminary investigation is currently in the ad personam phase, meaning it is specifically targeting a professional soldier. The soldier has been formally charged under Article 497 § 2 of the Election Code Act dated January 5, 2011.”
The accused denies the allegations. Investigators have interviewed eleven witnesses thus far, and the prosecution has extended proceedings until June 27.
According to Article 497 § 2 of the Election Code, anyone collecting signatures supporting a candidate within military facilities or other entities subordinate to the Ministry of Defense faces a fine ranging from PLN 1,000 to 10,000.
Raises and Electoral Influence
Niezależna.pl has also uncovered intriguing “pro-turnout” electoral activity within AMW REWITA Ltd., a company subordinate to the Ministry of Defense. Established in 2011 by the Military Housing Agency (now the Military Property Agency), AMW REWITA manages numerous vacation centers across Poland.
The company’s leadership includes members of PSL and Trzecia Droga. Media reports indicate that Anna Sobieraj-Kozakiewicz, daughter of PSL leader in Krosno and advisor to Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, became president. The board also includes a PO councilor from Radomsko and a former PSL central council secretary. Management roles in the vacation centers themselves have gone to local government members linked to Trzecia Droga.
Niezależna.pl accessed an email sent to employees by President Sobieraj-Kozakiewicz, mentioning salary increases but primarily addressing the upcoming elections:
“I also want to take this opportunity to say a few words about what will happen next Sunday. We are approaching the second round of presidential elections (…) Elections are not only a privilege but a responsibility. It is a moment when each of us can influence the direction our country will take. I believe the pro-Western, democratic, and stable course of Poland is a value we share—and one worth protecting,” wrote the president.