Prosecutors in Poland have charged Mariusz Błaszczak, the country’s former defense minister, for allegedly disclosing classified government contingency plans in the event of a Russian invasion. Błaszczak, who served in the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party-led government from 2015 to 2023, publicly revealed portions of a 2011 military defense plan in 2023. The document outlined strategies for Polish forces to retreat westward to the Vistula River in the event of an eastern attack by Russia.
Prosecutors allege that Błaszczak exceeded his authority by releasing classified information. The current government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has accused the former minister of betraying national interests by disclosing military secrets for political gain ahead of last year’s national election.
Political Fallout and Defense of Actions
The disclosure has sparked significant controversy, with current Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk condemning Błaszczak’s actions in parliament last month. “If we were to imagine the basic task of a spy in Poland, the theft of defense plans would be his priority, but no one predicted that such a role could be played by the minister of national defense,” Tomczyk said.
Błaszczak, however, has defended his decision, claiming he had a duty to inform the public. On the social media platform X, he stated that he was being charged for “declassifying the plan of the first Tusk government to give up half of Poland without a fight.” He added, “I would do it again without hesitation. I had not only the right, but also the duty.” Addressing Tusk directly, he said, “Thanks to this, Poles know the truth about the fate you prepared for the inhabitants of Eastern Poland. Thanks to this, no one will ever return to such plans.”
Speaking to reporters, Błaszczak said he intends to explain to prosecutors that he was obligated to reveal the information.
Wider Legal Troubles for Law and Justice Party
The charges against Błaszczak are the latest in a series of legal issues facing members of the PiS party. Last week, former MP Dariusz Matecki was arrested on corruption charges, while Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister, was granted political asylum in Hungary after being accused of defrauding the state.
The case has further intensified political tensions in Poland, as the current government continues to scrutinize the actions of its predecessors.