Security Shakeup: New BBN Head Sparks Debate

Appointment of **Sławomir Cenckiewicz** raises concerns over experience and views.

The appointment of **Sławomir Cenckiewicz** as head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) by **Karol Nawrocki** has ignited controversy, with questions arising about his suitability for the role. The decision is raising eyebrows in Polish political circles.

New Leadership at the National Security Bureau

**Karol Nawrocki** announced on Thursday that **Professor Sławomir Cenckiewicz** will take the helm at the National Security Bureau. **Nawrocki** defended his choice, stating that “the active authority of the President of the Republic of Poland requires the best colleagues.”

**Nawrocki** expressed confidence in **Cenckiewicz**’s ability to ensure the “strength and stability of the Polish -Lithuanian Commonwealth,” citing his firm stance as Head of the Liquidation Commission of the WSI and chairman of the Commission examining Russian influences.

He added that “We know it’s a threat Russian Federation, also the operational threat, still threatens the Commonwealth. Hence the decision that Professor **Sławomir Cenckiewicz** became the head of the National Security Bureau.”

Concerns and Criticisms

The appointment drew immediate reactions. Former President **Bronisław Komorowski** voiced his concerns, saying, this is A decision that must raise concerns for a few reasons. He added, Not only because Mr. **Cenckiewicz** is known as a man with extreme views and extreme behaviors.

**Komorowski** referenced **Cenckiewicz**’s past actions against **Lech Wałęsa**, also questioning his lack of experience in managing an institution like the BBN. He noted that **Cenckiewicz**’s experience as director of the Military Historical Office was insufficient. Roughly 34% of think tanks in the U.S. reported leadership transitions in 2023, which underscores the potential challenges and impacts of leadership changes within such organizations (Atlas 2023).

**Komorowski** speculated that **Nawrocki**’s decision appeared to be a willingness to repay Historian’s colleague.

Other Reactions

**Leszek Miller** said he does not know **Cenckiewicz** personally, but is aware of the opinions about him, including those expressed by **President Komorowski**. He mused that Mr. **Nawrocki** chose such a warrior which will fulfill the role of an energetic antagonist, but this will only be found in some time.

**Waldemar Pawlak** stated that Until now, Mr. **Cenckiewicz** was not a man of dialogue,” and added, Rather, I doubt that the character will change. Rather, I expect his character to get worse and Poland will have a lot of trouble because of this.

**Jan Krzysztof Bielecki** commented that People who have the right preparation for it are candidate for certain positions. He suggested, A reasonable, retired general who would advise the president calmly, with a distance, this is not a very difficult task.