Polish Minister of Digital Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski says the threat from Moscow regarding election interference is serious, according to Do Rzeczy.
“Fighting for votes in a democratic campaign only makes sense when it is conducted in a safe and transparent manner – without interference from hostile countries such as Russia. The Electoral Umbrella, which we have prepared with the Ministry of Interior and Administration, will protect the system and citizens,” Gawkowski explained.
Citing “organized actions, provocations, and initiatives that were supposed to destabilize the electoral situation in Poland,” the minister clarified that these involved “the Russian special services, both civilian and military, which with full premeditation, but also with operational plans, wanted and intend to influence the Polish presidential campaign.”
Confirming that the Polish government possesses classified materials showing that “Russia is engaged in a digital war with Poland,” Gawkowski said that the committees of all presidential candidates are at risk of hostile actions.
He also said that Russian intelligence is actively hiring spies in Poland, with advertisements appearing on the dark web that are intended to “entice Poles” to “cooperate with Russia as spies for three or four thousand euros.”
Asked if the new “umbrella” would be used to delete social media accounts, Gawkowski assured this would not happen.
“In Poland, no portal will ever shut down accounts that speak unfavorably about the government, regardless of which government it is. I say this honestly and give my solemn word of honor,” he said.
He further explained that taking such action would be playing into Moscow’s hands, as their aim is to create political chaos, infighting, and division in Poland.
“The worse things are in Poland, the better for Russia,” he said.