Poland’s national security chief resigns amid dispute over access to classified information

Slawomir Cenckiewicz on Thursday resigned as head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, with the Presidential Palace blaming the government for “paralyzing” the institution by revoking his access to classified information.

The resignation was submitted to President Karol Nawrocki and accepted on April 23, presidential spokesman Rafal Leskiewicz said in a statement posted on US social media platform X.

“Due to the law-breaking actions of those in power who disregard final court judgments, they are groundlessly depriving Professor Slawomir Cenckiewicz of the right to access classified information, thus paralyzing the functioning of the National Security Bureau,” Leskiewicz wrote.

The move marks the latest escalation in tensions between the presidency and the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

According to the Presidential Palace, the decision to revoke Cenckiewicz’s security clearance made it impossible for him to continue in his role, which involves advising the president on defense and national security matters and coordinating with the military and intelligence services.

Government representatives have not immediately commented in detail on the resignation, but the dispute is understood to center on legal and procedural questions surrounding access to classified materials – an issue that has become a political battleground since Nawrocki took office.

The National Security Bureau is a key advisory body within the presidential system, supporting the head of state in areas including defense policy, military oversight, crisis response and cooperation with NATO allies.

While the Polish constitution assigns significant executive power to the government, the president retains important prerogatives in defense and foreign policy, making the bureau a strategic institution in the country’s dual power structure.

In recent months, Poland has seen a series of institutional conflicts in which courts, ministries and presidential offices have issued competing interpretations of authority.

Polish media outlets including Onet and RMF FM have reported growing tensions over appointments and access to state resources, particularly in areas involving security and intelligence.

Since Nawrocki’s election, clashes have emerged over foreign representation, defense coordination and control of state agencies.

The dispute over the National Security Bureau is particularly sensitive given the security context in Eastern Europe, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and NATO’s increased presence on Poland’s eastern flank.

It remains unclear who will replace Cenckiewicz or how quickly a successor will be appointed.