2026-02-17 17:18, updated 2026-02-17 20:18
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2026-02-17 17:18
update
2026-02-17 20:18
It is not certain that the head of the Chancellery of the Sejm, Marek Siwiec, when supervising the chancellery, needs access to all information – emphasized government spokesman Adam Szłapka on Tuesday.
Szłapka was asked at Tuesday's press conference to comment on media information that the head of the Sejm Chancellery, Marek Siwiec, does not have access to classified information and does not have a security clearance.
I don't know about the security clearance of Mr. Marek Siwiec. As the head of the office, he obviously supervises all units working in the Sejm. However, it is by no means certain that while supervising the office, he has access and needs access to all information – emphasized the government spokesman.
“Surveillance is not the same as access.”
Szłapka also pointed out that “it is never the case that every person who has a security clearance, for example to the level of top secret information, has access to every such information issued in Poland.” – Because it has to be justified – he noted.
– Therefore, it is by no means certain that a person who has superior supervision, i.e. is the head of a given office, must use such information at all times. And certainly, people who have access to such information always have a valid security clearance and there is always a specific need for such information – said Szłapka.
He added that this results from the Act on the Protection of Classified Information, which – as he noted – “is complied with in Poland.” – This is one of the reasons why the head of the National Security Bureau, Sławomir Cenckiewicz, does not have access to classified information today – emphasized Szłapka.
The Chancellery of the Sejm announces the submission of applications
In a short message sent to PAP, the Chancellery of the Sejm emphasized that the head of the Chancellery of the Sejm and his deputy will apply for a security clearance. – Appropriate applications will be submitted soon – it was emphasized.
Siwiec: I am in the process of completing the security clearance application
The Head of the Chancellery of the Sejm, Marek Siwiec, announced on Tuesday that he is in the process of completing a security clearance survey and will submit an application soon. He added that completing such a survey takes time.
On Tuesday, in the Polsat News program, Siwiec was asked about media reports which show that he has not yet applied for a security clearance. – First of all, I do not have to apply for anything, because under the Act on the Protection of State and Official Secrets, my position is covered by the privilege of having access to state secrets – emphasized the head of the Chancellery of the Sejm.
He noted that only if you want access to classified information with a higher classification level, you need to “complete a 38-page questionnaire.” – I'm already around page 24. I'm doing well, although slowly. Things are on track and an application will be submitted soon, he said.
As he said, completing the survey takes time because it must be accompanied by, among others: notarial deeds, account numbers, facts about family and children, documents regarding the purchase and sale of real estate, cars, documents proving the origin of funds or running a business. He added that it is also necessary to list – on the basis of the criteria precisely described in the survey – all foreigners known, which in his case – he emphasized – are over 100.
Siwiec admitted that when he was the head of the National Security Bureau in 1997–2004, he had already completed such a survey once, which was approved. – Now, with full humility, I am doing it for the second time – he added.
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