Antoni Macierewicz, a veteran Polish politician and former Minister of National Defense, argued that his alleged crime was simply ensuring Poland’s security through the alliance with the United States. He spoke in response to claims raised by the neo-Commission to Investigate Russian Influence, portraying the controversy as a political attack rather than a substantive breach of duty.
Leading the Neo-Commission for the Investigation of Russian and Belarusian Influence in the period 2004-2024, General Jarosław Stróżyk presented the initial secret report on the commission’s activity. He said the panel would forward a request to the Public Prosecution Service to examine possible diplomatic treason by Antoni Macierewicz. The general accused the former defense minister of withdrawing from the Karkonosze program, the air tanker procurement plan, without due procedures, analyses, or consequences. The commission’s findings, he contended, indicate a deliberate weakening of Poland’s security, potentially impacting both the armed forces and secret services, and undermining Poland’s standing on the international stage in line with what he described as Russian policy goals.
The former minister denies the attacks
At a press conference, Macierewicz addressed the commission’s conclusions by saying that for the moment the discussion is framed as propaganda. He maintained that his alleged crime was nothing more than ensuring Poland’s safety through the alliance with the United States. He also cited that the report would be formally presented in March, with a subsequent decision to involve prosecutors at a later date.
He argued that the discourse surrounding the commission is still in the realm of propaganda and disinformation rather than a genuine legal process.
He stated that in late 2015 and 2016 his leadership contributed to a pivotal shift in Poland’s security posture with the United States and NATO, resulting in a commitment to keep U.S. troops stationed in Poland on a more permanent basis. He framed this as a historic step that strengthened Poland’s defense against Russia’s military threat.
He also mentioned the expansion of the armed forces from under 90,000 personnel to about 125,000, describing the move as substantial reform. He noted the creation of the Territorial Defense Force as part of this process and dismissed critics who called it a scandal, insisting that it was a necessary and legitimate development for the nation’s security.
Karkonosze program
Asked about withdrawing from the Karkonosze program, Macierewicz stressed that the decision was driven by cost considerations and by the fact that any final determination would rest with allied partners rather than Poland alone. He argued that limiting the initiative was prudent and that retaining an option might be unnecessary in the given circumstances, adding that the choice in that instance was correct.
The case of the Smolensk crime
Several participants in the conference were affiliated with the former Smolensk Subcommittee led by Macierewicz, including Wiesław Binienda and Kazimierz Nowaczyk, who outlined the main points of the subcommittee’s final report. For Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Smolensk affair was presented as a matter exposing alleged deception and actions perceived as favorable to Russia, including alleged neglect of Polish pilots and national interests. The speakers asserted that the case had been concealed by high-ranking officials within the defense ministry, arguing that this concealment undermined public trust in the investigation and in the political leadership of the time.
In Macierewicz’s account, these assertions reflect a broader pattern of political maneuvering aimed at protecting Russia’s interests and undermining Poland’s sovereignty. The discussion highlighted the perceived mismanagement surrounding the Smolensk crash and the implications for national security.
Protection of the gendarmerie
The discussion also touched on last week’s remarks by Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk, who reported that the overall cost of the operation reached 81.5 million PLN, with a portion allocated to the protection of Macierewicz. Macierewicz labeled this claim a lie and a fraud, arguing that the Gendarmerie provided his security following a publication from a source alleging threats against him in exchange for payment. He claimed the protection was arranged by the Gendarmerie and that the subcommittee did not cover any of these costs.
He stated that he was never paid by the subcommittee and did not have any contract or expectation of compensation for his work there.
No money
Macierewicz asserted that he did not receive any money from the subcommittee, had no contract, and made a point of avoiding compensation regardless of the hours he contributed to the subcommittee.