Controversial decorations of Andrzej Duda 2025. Cezary Kulesza and PZPN activists in the spotlight
The decision of President Andrzej Duda to grant the Silver Cross of Merit to Paweł Żelem, a former activist, among others Piasta Gliwice, Śląska Wrocław and Lechia Gdańsk, met with criticism.
Journalist of the website weszlo.com, Paweł Paczul, in sharp words commented on the president's decision on the platform X: “Kulesza is one thing, but Duda awarded Paweł Żelem, repeatedly accused of mobbing a guy whose practice was described by” New York Times “.
Andrzej Duda awarded decorations in the last days of his presidency, before the office was taken by Karol Nawrocki. In total, 17 people from the world of sport were awarded, including Marcin Animucki, Wojciech Cygan and Karol Klimczak, who received the Golden Cross of Merit.
However, Paweł Gel, although he is not a leading figure in Polish football, aroused the greatest controversy. Allegations against his actions arose at a time when he managed clubs in Gliwice, Wrocław and Gdańsk. According to media reports, he was to use mobbing and put pressure on employees, which led them “to the edge of mental endurance.”
Cezary Kulesza took the floor after Andrzej Duda's decision
Cezary Kulesza claims that he did not expect such a high decoration.
“We went to the Presidential Palace at the invitation of President Andrzej Duda. I knew that during the meeting it was planned to give decorations, but I did not know what rank I was surprised.
Source: Sports Review, Sports Facts
