On Thursday, November 18, the Polish Sejm elected Left Party member Włodzimierz Czarzasty as its new Marshal, who immediately gave a speech pledging to safeguard parliamentary rights and the democratic system.
Czarzasty Elected Marshal of the Sejm
On November 18, the Sejm voted to elect Włodzimierz Czarzasty of the Left Party as its new Marshal. The vote counted 236 in favour, 209 against, and two abstentions. The outgoing Marshal, Szymon Hołownia of Polski 2050, resigned following the coalition agreement. Hołownia has announced plans to pursue the UN High Commissioner for Refugees post.
Speech Commences with Praise for Predecessor
At 8 p.m. on Friday, Czarzasty opened his address by thanking former Marshal Szymon Hołowni for his service, noting that the change reflected the stable majority of the coalition government. He highlighted that the Democratic Left Party had won the October 15 elections and would govern for at least two years.
Defender of Parliamentary Rights and Constitutional Democracy
Czarzasty declared his intent to safeguard the rights of Parliament and the democratic order outlined in the Polish Constitution. He reiterated that the Constitution guarantees social justice, institutional order, political pluralism, equality before the law, a social market economy, and universal access to health, education, culture, and housing. He warned that the real political challenge lies not in constitutional text but in forces that seek to violate those principles.
Stating Legislative Powers and Opposition to Populist Bills
He pledged to apply the marshal‑level veto against harmful legislative proposals that serve populism or undermine necessary regulation. He also committed to scrutinizing whether bills have realistic funding sources and to maintaining seriousness, responsibility, and calm in decision‑making.
Commitment to Government Collaboration and European Alliances
Czarzasty emphasised that as Marshal he will act on behalf of the coalition and its eleven‑million voters, and that fostering cooperation with the Government will be a key goal. He said the Marshal’s office would remain open for dialogue, and he will defend Poland’s membership in the European Union and NATO as guarantors of national security.
