In the midst of a heated political climate leading up to Poland’s parliamentary elections, Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak vehemently denied allegations made by opposition leader Donald Tusk. Tusk had claimed that ten high-ranking military commanders had submitted their resignations to the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces. Minister Błaszczak refuted these claims, stating that only two commanders had resigned, emphasizing that the Armed Forces must remain apolitical, especially during times of potential threat.
“The Polish Armed Forces must not be involved in an election campaign,” declared Minister Błaszczak firmly on Tuesday, adding that there was no consent for creating chaos within the country, especially in the face of real threats. He accused Tusk of spreading falsehoods with the intention of sowing discord and unrest, labeling such behavior as shameful, particularly considering the ongoing conflict near Poland’s eastern border involving Russia and Ukraine.
Błaszczak underscored the necessity of strengthening the Polish Armed Forces to counter potential threats, a commitment the government had upheld and would continue to do so. Earlier that day, General Wiesław Kukuła was appointed Chief of the General Staff, and General Maciej Klisz became the operational commander, following the resignations of General Rajmund Andrzejczak, the former Chief of the General Staff, and General Tomasz Piotrowski, the former operational commander, who had submitted their notices on Monday.