Key elections prompt resignation of top army generals in Poland

Poland's top two military officials have resigned just days before a crucial election and amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both the Chief of General Staff, Gen Rajmund Andrzejczak, and Operational Commander Gen Tomasz Piotrowski did not provide any specific reason for their decision. However, media reports suggest that their resignation stems from concerns that the right-wing government is attempting to politicize the military ahead of the general elections on Sunday. The government has denied these claims and also dismissed allegations made by the opposition and European Union that it is also politicizing the country's judiciary and restricting media freedom. Gen Andrzejczak's spokesperson stated that he resigned without giving a reason, as every soldier is entitled to do so. Gen Piotrowski also tendered his resignation. It has been reported by a leading newspaper that the two generals were at odds with Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak over the politicization of the military and a dispute regarding a Russian cruise missile that entered Polish airspace last year. The missile was only discovered in April, causing embarrassment for the minister. Neither Mr. Blaszczak nor the two generals have publicly commented on this report. The upcoming election in Poland is considered to be the most significant since the fall of communism in 1989, according to opposition leader Donald Tusk. The right-wing United Right coalition, led by the Law and Justice party of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, is seeking a third term in office. However, the gap between the right and center has narrowed after a fiercely contested election campaign. While Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and has provided significant aid in terms of housing Ukrainian refugees and supplying weapons, tensions have risen during the election campaign due to a Polish ban on Ukrainian grain imports. Last month, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that Warsaw would cease providing weapons and instead focus on rebuilding its own depleted stocks.