A dispute within Poland’s governing coalition flared after a post by Sejm Vice-Marshal Szymon Hołownia regarding President Duda’s decision to swear in only two of six Constitutional Tribunal judges.
Trela Attacks Hołownia
Sejm Vice-Marshal Szymon Hołownia commented on the President’s decision to invite only two of the six judges selected for the Constitutional Tribunal to take their oath.
Hołownia stated that if the President intends to administer the oath to only two, they should do so as they are independent judges, not politicians pretending to be independent. He added that once a decision is made regarding the remaining four judges, appropriate action should be taken, either praising the President if he administers their oaths or holding him accountable if he does not.
“Soft” Hołownia and Past Meetings
This sparked a sharp exchange with Tomasz Trela of the Left party, who attacked Hołownia, questioning whether a recent dinner with Jarosław Kaczyński influenced his stance.
Trela referenced a previous dinner Hołownia attended with Adam Bielan of PiS, suggesting it was the root cause of his current position.
Debate on Public Discourse
Jan Szyszko, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, reacted to Trela’s comment, criticizing the acceptance of individuals like Trela in public debate.
Szyszko described Trela’s intellect as a constant, unremarkable element of Polish politics, comparing it to snow in winter.
Personal Exchanges Escalate
Former Sejm Marshal also shared the post, adding his own commentary, stating that he applies a simple rule with Trela: expecting little, he is never disappointed, calling him a “dull pencil.”
Trela retorted, advising Hołownia to sharpen his own pencils while he is still able, implying Hołownia’s influence is waning.
Dispute Extends Beyond Coalition
The discussion quickly broadened to include other politicians, shifting away from the oath-taking issue and becoming increasingly personal, with both direct and veiled insults exchanged.
The dispute involved not only members of the governing coalition but also representatives from the opposition PiS, who used the situation to launch further political attacks and defend Hołownia.
