Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) reportedly accepted Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna’s assurance that he is successfully battling alcoholism. However, Donald Tusk is pressuring Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to place Szejna on leave. Speculation is growing online that the controversy surrounding Szejna is a “controlled scandal.”
Recent media reports have highlighted Szejna’s issues with alcohol abuse, with claims that he has attended parliamentary sessions while under the influence. The issue is particularly concerning because, as a deputy foreign minister, Szejna has access to top-secret state information—a privilege that requires officials to be fully reliable and capable of safeguarding classified materials.
Secret Clearance Despite Ongoing Verification
Despite an ongoing security clearance check, Sikorski granted Szejna provisional access to sensitive documents under Article 34(5)(2) of the Classified Information Protection Act. This allows ministers to grant temporary clearance for “Top Secret” materials until a full security review is completed. As a senior diplomat, Szejna also requires NATO Cosmic Top Secret and EU Top Secret certifications.
As part of the vetting process, the Internal Security Agency (ABW) requires officials to disclose any history of alcohol or substance abuse—an issue that could affect their reliability in handling classified information.
Tusk Calls for Leave, MSZ Awaits ABW Review
Opposition parties argue that allowing Szejna access to classified information poses a national security risk, calling for his dismissal. At a press conference, MSZ spokesman Paweł Wroński stated that Sikorski had personally spoken with Szejna, who assured him he is overcoming his alcohol problem.
Pressed on whether Szejna would be suspended or dismissed, Wroński said there were no immediate plans for such measures:
“For now, there is no indication that Deputy Minister Szejna will take a leave of absence. We are awaiting verification of his claims. If any issues arise that affect his work, Minister Sikorski will take appropriate action.”
Wroński confirmed that ABW will be responsible for verifying Szejna’s statements regarding his struggle with alcoholism.
During a government meeting, Tusk urged Sikorski to temporarily suspend Szejna while the matter is investigated:
“I believe, Minister, that it would be best to put Deputy Minister Szejna on leave until the matter is fully clarified. This is not just about health concerns—there are other aspects to consider. I am not here to judge, but I would ask that the deputy minister be put on leave and that the issue be resolved as quickly as possible in all its aspects.”
Left-Wing Party: “The Case is Closed”
Anna Maria Żukowska, leader of the Left parliamentary club, told wp.pl that the party does not plan any action against Szejna:
“The statement at this stage closes the case. He has admitted to his illness. We hope he remains committed to his recovery.”
However, past remarks by Left leader Włodzimierz Czarzasty are now resurfacing in the media. In response to reports of Szejna’s alcohol abuse, Czarzasty previously stated:
“I’ve known Andrzej for 20 years, and I have never seen him drunk. These are disgusting accusations. We will not respond to anonymous claims.”
Meanwhile, Szejna himself has admitted to his struggle with alcoholism on social media.
2023 Appointment Under Scrutiny
Journalist Patryk Słowik from Wirtualna Polska argued that the real mistake was made in December 2023, when politicians already knew about Szejna’s alcohol problems yet still appointed him as deputy foreign minister:
“Whether he drinks now or not, he should never have been appointed in the first place.”
On X (formerly Twitter), a user known as “Jack Strong” suggested that the entire controversy surrounding Szejna is “controlled.”