Premier Donald Tusk has established a new government body named the Center for Countering Disinformation, following an official ordinance published on Tuesday in Monitor Polski. The newly created entity is scheduled to enter into force on Wednesday, which will unlock the formal appointment process for a head, deputy head, and secretary for the center.
Structure and Advisory Role of the Counter-Disinformation Body
The newly formed Center for Countering Disinformation will operate as an auxiliary, opinion-and-advisory organ answering to the Council of Ministers, according to the official state publication. Participation in the work of the center will be unpaid. Additional coverage from the Polish Press Agency (PAP), as detailed by Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Paweł Olszewski, outlines that the unit will include representatives from various ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The roster of participating bodies will feature the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Government Spokesperson, the Government Centre for Security, the General Police Headquarters, heads of special services, and the National Prosecutor. The framework also allows for the inclusion of external experts, non-governmental organizations, and media representatives.
Operational Plans and Strategic Objectives
According to Deputy Minister Olszewski’s statements reported by PAP, the government plans to launch a dedicated website where the center will address prominent disinformation narratives. Olszewski noted that the strategy focuses heavily on rapid responses to narratives originating primarily from Russia and Belarus. Additional duties for the center will involve drafting a formal counter-disinformation strategy—which Olszewski indicated is nearly complete—alongside issuing public communications regarding identified disinformation efforts and generating recommendations for public administration.
Did You Know? The official establishment of the Center for Countering Disinformation follows initial reporting on the plans published by Money.pl on Thursday, preceding the formal publication of the Prime Minister’s ordinance in Monitor Polski.
Leadership Candidates and Appointment Process
Once the ordinance officially enters into force, the formal process to appoint the center’s leadership will begin. Unofficial reports cited by PAP indicate that Deputy Minister Olszewski, who formulated the operational rules for the center, stands as a primary candidate to lead the organization. Olszewski remarked that the final decision rests with the Minister of Digital Affairs, who will select the chief from the leadership team.
Details on the legal basis and staffing of the new advisory body
What is the legal basis for the new center?
The center was established by an ordinance of the Prime Minister published on Tuesday in Monitor Polski, with the provisions set to enter into force on Wednesday.
Who will staff and fund the participation in the center?
The advisory body will comprise representatives from key ministries, law enforcement, security services, and specialized agencies, with participation in its work designated as unpaid.
What will the primary duties of the center involve?
The unit will develop a counter-disinformation strategy, issue official communications on identified threats, run a dedicated website addressing prevalent narratives, and formulate recommendations for public administration.
How will the public evaluate the effectiveness of government-led counters to foreign influence narratives?
Related reading