According to the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, Poland's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrzej Szejna, has not yet been fully cleared by the Polish Internal Security Agency (ABW), despite his recent claims to the contrary.
Verification of Deputy FM Szejna
The newspaper reports that Szejna's background check is still ongoing, and a final decision on his security clearance has not been made. While Szejna suggested in his statement that he had already been verified, Polish authorities have not yet completed the process.
In contrast, Ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński told the Polish state news agency PAP that the verification process is being conducted properly and in line with the necessary standards.
Wroński explained that Deputy Minister Szejna had previously completed a security questionnaire with the Internal Security Agency (ABW), a required step for accessing classified information. The questionnaire mandates truthful disclosure of any addictions, among other personal details.
Alcohol addiction and financial investigation
Gazeta Wyborcza previously reported on the deputy foreign minister’s struggles with alcohol. Szejna recently acknowledged his battle with addiction, assuring the public that he has regained control of his health and expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and therapists for their support.
In addition, he addressed allegations regarding his reimbursement claims for travel expenses. The Kielce-Zachód District Prosecutor’s Office is investigating these claims, with reports indicating that Szejna received 122,000 PLN (around 29,225 EUR) in reimbursements.
Szejna also confirmed that he is preparing a legal complaint to the prosecutor’s office regarding potential criminal actions by B. Maciejewska, a former deputy chairperson of the New Left party, related to the reimbursement issue.
Read more about this subject:
(m p)
Source: IAR/PAP/MSZ/Gazeta Wyborcza/Rzeczpospolita/X/@AndrzejSzejna/@MaciekSankowski