Stanisław Żaryn, Advisor to the President of Poland and President of the National Security Institute Foundation, harshly criticized the activities of the Pegasus Commission set up by Polish Sejm during an interview with Fronda.pl. According to Żaryn, the commission’s work is conducted irresponsibly, politically, and against the interests of the state, potentially causing real harm to Poland’s national security.
Żaryn points out that the functioning of this commission is unprecedented in Europe, where issues related to operational control of intelligence services are kept strictly confidential. He asserts that Poland is the only country on the continent that publicly analyzes and evaluates the actions of its intelligence services, which, given external threats, including those from Russia, poses a serious danger.
“In the context of threats from the East, from Russia, such practices are suicidal and extremely irresponsible,” Żaryn stated.
The presidential advisor emphasized that the use of Pegasus in Poland was conducted in compliance with legal regulations, with every operation approved by the courts. Professor Piotr Pogonowski, referenced by Żaryn and President Andrzej Duda, noted that the Supreme Court clearly determined the tool falls within existing legal frameworks.
“Technological advancement must be an integral part of modernizing intelligence services. Only then can they effectively counter threats,” Żaryn remarked.
It is worth recalling that in September, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that the Pegasus Commission operates in conditions of constitutional violation. According to Żaryn, this should have brought an end to its activities. He argues that the commission’s proceedings, conducted amid a political spectacle, ignore fundamental principles of oversight, which should be carried out by specialized institutions — courts and prosecutors — not in front of cameras.
“This political show damages Poland’s image and operational capabilities. Establishing this commission was a mistake from the start,” he concluded.
Żaryn also warned about the risks of disinformation that could stem from the commission’s actions. He noted that Russian intelligence services could exploit some of the issues raised during its work to weaken Poland on the international stage.
“Often, stimulating actions in the public sphere are initiated by Polish entities, but Russian media quickly pick them up. Such informational operations are typical of Russian disinformation,” he explained.
Żaryn did not spare criticism for the opposition, accusing it of using the Pegasus issue as a campaign tool. He accused politicians of employing manipulation and sociotechnical tactics aimed at creating a negative image of both intelligence services and individuals associated with the previous ruling camp.
He stated that one example of such actions is a Wyborcza publication about an alleged “report” on Karol Nawrocki, which Żaryn described as a “collection of conjectures and insinuations.”
In the interview with Fronda, Żaryn also discussed international politics. He commented on President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Paris, which resulted in the reopening of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral.
“This is a symbolic gesture toward Christian civilization and Western values, which Trump will defend against the ideologies of the radical left,” he said.
Żaryn expressed hope that Poland would become a priority for Trump’s administration and play a key role in Europe’s relations with the United States.
Mariusz Paszko
