Szymon Hołownia, deputy speaker of the Sejm, is calling for a structural overhaul of Poland’s governance, advocating for a shift to a parliamentary-cabinet system and a single seven-year presidential term.
Constitutional Overhaul
Szymon Hołownia argues that the current system suffers from confusion, where the president acts like a prime minister and vice versa. He proposes amending the Constitution to establish a clear parliamentary-cabinet system and suggests that a president should be elected by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly for a single seven-year term.
Tensions and Political Fatigue
Discussing the current state of Polish politics, Hołownia admitted that the intense polarization and internal friction within the governing coalition often lead to a sense of exhaustion. He criticized the current political climate as a massive waste of energy and resources, spent primarily on defending against the potential success of political rivals.
Defense and National Security
The former Sejm speaker revealed that the government is actively preparing contingency plans for war, including large-scale security exercises aimed at identifying and reinforcing infrastructure vulnerabilities. Regarding NATO’s Article 5, he noted that while questions persist, the readiness of neighboring countries suggests a strong capacity for independent counter-action rather than waiting solely for external intervention.
U.S. Relations and Personnel Changes
Commenting on the withdrawal of American troops, Hołownia expressed frustration with the lack of internal stability in Poland during times of international uncertainty. He recounted discussions with American counterparts, noting that shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly involving future U.S. presidential decisions, are likely to result in personnel changes within the administration.
