Polish military had fun at a party organized by the Korean concern Hyundai-Rotem. There was alcohol, festive decor and good food. Commentators agree: it is imprudence and recklessness of soldiers who should not participate in such an event.
The soldiers were eating delicacies and enjoying life thanks to the company that will deliver K2 tanks to Poland. While everything may look innocent, the military’s involvement in the party sparks controversy. How did the military come to the banquet?
The event was organized by Hyundai-Rotem, which won a multi-billion dollar tender for the armament of the Polish army. Part of the contract was the training of Polish soldiers in the use of equipment. It was after the completion of the course that the Koreans hosted a party at the hotel in Morąg (Warmia-Masuria Province).
During the event, the soldiers ate, drank and had fun together with representatives of a private Korean company. Casually dressed military men were even greeted by a rather peculiar-sounding banner.
The Polish army and Hyundai-Rotem are one. We will all remember the nice K2 MBT training in Morąg in the spring of 2023 (original spelling) – the inscription in Polish and Korean read.
This is quite an unusual picture, because rarely the army becomes so familiar with business. This can lead to ambiguous situations later.
Experts: It’s reprehensible, it shouldn’t be happening
Is it normal for soldiers to attend a party organized by a private company? The daily “Fact”, which describes the whole case, asked for a comment from experts. They do not hide that this is a very controversial issue.
This should not happen under any circumstances – believes Gen. Roman Polko, former GROM commander.
The former military man points out that contacts with private entities must be approached very carefully. This type of “fraternization” later leads to misunderstandings and even … corruption-generating situations.
Companies often take part in various tenders and then look for access to commanders or decision-makers. It is creating opportunities for corruption-generating behavior. Such behavior is reprehensible – says the general quoted by “Fact”.
The head of the parliamentary National Defense Committee, PiS deputy Michał Jach, also does not view the matter positively. “The soldiers showed some imprudence. Companies organize such events, but rather for civilians. The participation of the military is something completely different. However, I believe that the Koreans did it out of good will, they want to be well perceived here. Certainly, it did not affect the price of the contract – indicates MP Jach.
What does the Polish Army think about the case itself? Fact asked st.chor.sztab.rez for a comment. Mikołaj Błogosławski – press officer of the 20th Mechanized Brigade.
No soldier of the 20th Mechanized Brigade was officially invited to the meeting. No invitation has been received from the unit’s office. According to the information I have, it was an informal friendly meeting organized by the Koreans,” the military said.
