Szymon Hołownia, Poland’s marshal of the Sejm, is applying for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees position as he steps back from party leadership.
Previous political ambitions
Szymon Hołownia has previously failed twice in his bids for the Polish presidency, securing just 4.99% of the vote in this year’s elections. According to coalition agreements, he was expected to hand over the Sejm marshal role to Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Now, he is reportedly seeking the UNHCR position, which requires support from Polish authorities, including the president.
Hołownia has been working to strengthen ties with key political figures, including Karol Nawrocki and Jarosław Kaczyński, to secure his nomination. The final decision rests with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whom Hołownia claims to have a good relationship with.
Humanitarian experience
Hołownia has a background in humanitarian work, having founded organizations that provided aid in countries like Zambia, Congo, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. He also served as an ambassador for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Hołownia’s statement
In a Facebook post, Hołownia confirmed his application for the UNHCR role, expressing gratitude to Polish officials for their support. He acknowledged the challenges, stating that while his chances are slim, they were nonexistent a week ago. He reflected on the possibility of returning to humanitarian work, describing it as a language of hope and compassion.
Political future
During a party meeting on September 27, Hołownia announced he would no longer seek the leadership of Poland 2050. He emphasized the need for new leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in his party’s ability to choose a strong successor.
