On Wednesday, Poland’s Sejm faced a debate when MP Sławomir Mentzen opposed a proposal to ban alcohol in parliament, prompting his party leader Adrian Zandberg to criticize the stance.
Mentzen Opposes Alcohol Ban in Sejm
MP Sławomir Mentzen aired on Radio ZET his opposition to a parliamentary alcohol ban, arguing that informal beer meetings build cross‑party relationships and that without them, MPs would lose contact with one another.
Mentzen warned that if “beer behind the bar” were removed, MPs would be deprived of a space to know each other across party lines, adding that discussions often flow better after a drink.
Zandberg Slams Drunk MPs
Party leader Adrian Zandberg countered with a harsh critique, calling for the end of alcohol sales during Sejm sittings and asserting that drunk MPs in the voting hall are a nightmare.
He urged MPs to seek a drink elsewhere, labeling the sale of vodka in the chamber a “patol” and demanding that legislators not defend their alcohol privileges.
Confederation Leaders Voice Disapproval
Zuzanna Pieczyńska of the Confederation described the situation as pathology, insisting that alcohol should not be permitted at work and that deliberations ought to take place over beverages like tea or juice alike.
She demanded that MPs focus on public duties rather than protecting alcohol perks.
Journalists Question Mentzen’s Double Standard
Jakub Majmurek asked whether, under the name of building “human conditions,” Mentzen allowed his staff to drink in his own office while opposing a ban in the parliament.
