The Parliamentary Committee for Counteracting Lawlessness convened today to address what have been described as unlawful charges brought against former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak and Professor Sławomir Cenckiewicz. The controversy stems from the public disclosure of Poland’s former “Vistula Line” defense plans. Watch the live session in the video window above.
The Vistula Line Controversy
Yesterday, Sławomir Cenckiewicz, the former head of the Military Historical Bureau, appeared before the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office for Military Affairs. He was formally charged in connection with the 2023 declassification of parts of Poland’s “Warta” defense plan — specifically, the so-called Vistula Line, which allegedly designated this river as the fallback line of defense for Polish forces during Donald Tusk’s first premiership. Critics argue this would have meant conceding eastern Poland to Russian occupation without resistance — what some have called a betrayal of half the Polish nation.
It’s worth noting that similar charges have already been brought against former Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in the same case.
Political Context
During today’s parliamentary session, Błaszczak emphasized his belief that the charges are politically motivated:
“This is political revenge — repression targeting opposition MPs. It should be seen through the lens of a struggling, or as Dr. Karol Nawrocki puts it, ‘snarling’ democracy.”
He further argued that the legal action is part of a broader effort to suppress the opposition and deflect attention from what he sees as a scandal involving Tusk’s earlier government.
“This wasn’t a defensive line. In 2015, Poland had fewer than 100,000 soldiers, equipped with outdated Soviet-era gear. Such a force could never have held the Vistula Line. It was a failure both in planning and moral responsibility,” Błaszczak said.
He recalled that the Law and Justice (PiS) government shifted Poland’s defense doctrine after taking office:
“Since PiS came to power, our defense doctrine is clear: we defend every centimeter of Polish land, starting at the border.”
No Harm, Only Benefit
Błaszczak defended his decision to declassify and publicize the documents, asserting it served the public interest:
“My intention was to prevent any return to this disgraceful concept. I believe I succeeded. First, by strengthening the army. Second, by ensuring that public awareness prevents any revival of the Vistula Line plan. Poland suffered no harm — on the contrary, we gained clarity.”
Prosecutorial Pressure Alleged
Błaszczak also questioned the motivations of the military prosecutor in charge of the case, Marcin Maksjan:
“This prosecutor was promoted just before he filed the charges against me. I suspect he was shown a promising career path — in return for zeal. Now, he has indicted several of my former colleagues, including Professor Cenckiewicz, former head of the Military Historical Bureau.”
Błaszczak concluded by stating that he believes these actions are politically orchestrated and aimed at silencing critics of the current government.