“Minister, I believe it would be best to place Minister Szejna on leave until the matter is fully clarified. And I’m not talking about health issues—there are other aspects that have emerged,” Donald Tusk told Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. Is this a strategic move ahead of the May elections?
Szejna’s String of Troubles
In recent weeks, the media have reported multiple issues concerning Andrzej Szejna, sparked by a post from one of his party colleagues. These include allegations of alcohol abuse and a prosecutor’s investigation into irregularities in travel expense reimbursements.
Today, Szejna himself addressed the matter in a post on X.com, stating:
- Travel expenses were settled correctly and approved by the Chancellery of the Polish Parliament.
- A report has been prepared for the Prosecutor’s Office regarding an alleged offense committed by B. Maciejewska.
- A statement regarding his therapy has been verified by the Internal Security Agency (ABW).
In a follow-up post, Szejna admitted to past struggles with alcohol but insisted that it was now behind him.
“I acknowledge that I faced issues with alcohol abuse. Thanks to the support of my family, friends, and especially Dr. Bohdan Woronowicz, Dr. Dorota Woronowicz, and a team of therapists, I have regained control over my health. To those affected by my struggles, I sincerely apologize. To those who supported me, I am deeply grateful,” he wrote.
National Security Concerns?
Wirtualna Polska reminds that Szejna has access to top-secret information. The ABW has reportedly been assessing for months whether he should retain clearance for “NATO Cosmic Top Secret” and “EU Top Secret” documents.
Mandatory Leave?
While the internet buzzes with calls for his resignation, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has opted for a different approach.
During today’s government meeting, Tusk stated:
“It is not my role to determine the validity of these concerns—let’s not call them allegations, but critical remarks. However, I request that the deputy minister be placed on leave and that the matter be urgently investigated in all aspects.”