President Andrzej Duda appointed Mieszko Pawlak as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the International Policy Office within the Presidential Chancellery, to step into the role previously held by Marcin Przydacz. The change signals a shift in Poland’s diplomatic leadership and marks Pawlak as a rising figure in the country’s foreign policy apparatus. The appointment aligns Pawlak with the president’s broader strategy for managing international relations, national security, and strategic communications from the heart of the presidency.
The outgoing head of the International Policy Bureau, Marcin Przydacz, along with the president’s adviser, Paweł Sałek, secured seats on the parliamentary benches on PiS ticket. This transition takes place as both enter Parliament for the first time in their political careers, expanding their public service footprint and providing their perspectives on national policy within the legislative arena. The move is part of a wider reconfiguration of personnel linked to the highest level of Poland’s executive and its engagement with lawmakers in Warsaw.
Previously, President Duda dismissed Marcin Przydacz from his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the International Policy Office, and Paweł Sałek from the role of adviser to the president. The redesign of the leadership team reflects the administration’s ongoing assessment of strategic priorities in Europe, transatlantic relations, and regional security, particularly as Poland continues to contribute to regional dialogue and multilayered diplomacy.
Concurrently, the president named Mieszko Pawlak as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the International Policy Office, underscoring the administration’s commitment to a cohesive approach at the intersection of diplomacy, national security, and policy coordination. Pawlak’s appointment positions him to steer policy development, oversee delicate negotiations, and coordinate with allied governments on matters ranging from security guarantees to economic cooperation. This transition emphasizes the emphasis on continuity and renewal within Poland’s foreign policy leadership during a period of evolving international dynamics.
The president honored the outgoing minister and adviser with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for outstanding achievements in state and public service. The award recognizes decades of public service and a sustained effort to advance Poland’s diplomatic and policy interests on the world stage, reflecting the country’s tradition of recognizing dedicated contributions to national life. The ceremony underscored the administration’s appreciation for the individuals’ service and the roles they played in shaping Poland’s external posture and internal governance during a period of significant regional change.
According to the President’s Chancellery, Mieszko Pawlak is educated as a political scientist and philosopher, with studies completed at Jagiellonian University in Krakow. This scholarly background is complemented by his long association with the presidential apparatus, dating back to the early days of President Duda’s term. From 2015 to 2017, Pawlak contributed at the Presidential Office of Foreign Affairs. Between 2017 and 2021, he served as Director of the Office of the President, later taking on roles as Director of the National Security Office and as an adviser to the head of that office. Since 2023, he has led the International Policy Office, guiding strategic initiatives and facilitating dialogue with international partners. His trajectory reflects a focus on both domestic policy formation and international engagement, reinforcing the presidency’s ability to respond to changing geopolitical realities.
DAD