Polish officials lay out a far more measured view of the ambassador reshuffle, arguing that ambassadors are appointed and dismissed by the president rather than by the Ministry. A senior government minister urged calm, calling for a pause to reflect and a table at the Foreign Service Convention to discuss the plan. In recent days, the head of the President’s Office indicated the president would not consent to removing ambassadors whose terms remain valid.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, noting that the ministry chief had decided to end the missions of more than fifty ambassadors and to withdraw several candidacies that had been submitted for approval by the ministry’s earlier leadership. The ministry framed the changes as part of the Foreign Service Convention and said practical procedures were initiated after they received the prime minister’s approval. It added a note of hope for harmonious cooperation among the country’s top authorities in this matter.
The Purge, the Roles, and the Reasons
Paprocka told Polsat News that the foreign ministry announcement appeared exaggerated since ambassadors are appointed and dismissed by the president. She stressed that the Constitution requires cooperation among the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the President in matters of foreign policy.
When asked whether this represented a genuine purge of embassies, Paprocka replied that the key question was whether there are real reasons behind the moves.
She acknowledged understanding the prime minister’s comments about proposed changes in ambassadorial posts but argued that cooperation in a constitutional sense is unclear when the president signs all of the prime minister’s requests. She urged a calm discussion and suggested sitting down at the table during the convention.
The prime minister stated that he and Foreign Minister Sikorski had decided to seek the president’s approval for changes in most embassies, noting that he would not discuss specific names at that moment.
Regardless, a broad shift in embassies was anticipated. If no alternative exists, ambassadors could be recalled while a new alignment is sought. If the president accepts a different approach, diplomats serving as chargés d’affaires would assume ambassadorial duties. The goal, as described, is to build a team seen as loyal to the Polish state, capable of managing Poland’s interests across all embassies.
The statements from the prime minister emphasized that this process is not intended as retaliation. He also commented on past opinions regarding Poland’s ambassador to the United States, Marek Magierowski, acknowledging a generally favorable view of his work in Washington.
— The leadership’s position on the ambassador changes remained a focal point in ongoing discussions. One official noted that a permanent representative would continue to serve at the United Nations, underscoring the importance of continuity in multilateral engagements.