On Thursday, Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz officially becomes the head of the National Security Bureau (BBN). In an interview with TV Republika, he admitted that the nomination still comes as a surprise to him. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who elected Karol Nawrocki as President of the Republic of Poland. “They will not be disappointed,” he assured.
Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz appeared on the evening program “Today’s Guest” on TV Republika yesterday. In a conversation with Danuta Holecka, he revealed that he has known President Karol Nawrocki for over a dozen years. “He organised a meeting with me on behalf of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN),” he said on TV Republika. “Later we got to know each other, became friends, I can say we became close,” he added.
When asked whether his nomination as head of the BBN came as a surprise, Cenckiewicz responded, “It still is a surprise.” The official appointment was scheduled for today at 11:00 AM.
Cenckiewicz: I Have Access to Classified Information
A question was raised about the attacks directed at Prof. Cenckiewicz, among other things, claims from government figures that he lacks access to classified information.
“These are the same people who appointed as deputy head of the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) someone who, at that time in 2023, had multiple court cases pending, was accused of espionage for Russia, and had no security clearance. Today, Krzysztof Dusza is a fully-fledged deputy head of the SKW,”
Cenckiewicz responded.
“I’m not saying my situation is identical. I’m saying these are people so internally dishonest that what they say lacks intellectual discipline or logic,”
he stated.
“Access to classified information is essential for this role. Legally, I have that access because the court ruled in my favour. It reinstated all my security clearances that had been revoked by Jarosław Stróżyk,” Prof. Cenckiewicz said. He added that the court ruling is legally binding. “They may believe otherwise, but we will challenge it in court. I hope it all gets resolved, and if not, we will respond accordingly,” he emphasised.
“It’s Beyond Comprehension” – Evaluation of the Prime Minister’s Behaviour
The incoming head of the BBN also shared that he had met with Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and described the discussions as “a good conversation.” His view of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s conduct, however, was starkly different.
“Prime Minister Tusk, before even entering the plenary hall, tweets that this is a very sad day for Poland. How can a prime minister say it’s a sad day because Karol Nawrocki is being sworn in as president? It’s beyond comprehension,”
he said.
In a few remarks, Prof. Cenckiewicz also commented on today’s presidential address by Karol Nawrocki. Notably, the speech was delivered without notes.
“There were no notes, and it was probably his best speech yet. It was well-structured. He is a distinguished, eager-to-learn, evolving, intelligent man. I want to thank TV Republika, all the viewers, and the Polish people who voted for him for making this choice. They will not be disappointed,”
he emphasised.