Tusk Opposes Szpytma Bid as IPN Leadership Vote Stalls

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared his lack of support for Mateusz Szpytma’s candidacy, further complicating the parliamentary process to elect a new head of the Institute of National Remembrance.

Tusk signals lack of enthusiasm

The election of a new IPN head has been postponed three times. When asked by journalists whether the Civic Coalition might support Szpytma, Prime Minister Tusk responded that he is not an enthusiast of the candidacy.

Czarzasty calls for reflection

Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty stated that the vote should occur during an upcoming session. He expressed a preference for allowing time for reflection rather than electing someone who might become a subject of future controversy.

Repeated parliamentary delays

On Tuesday, June 9, Czarzasty announced that the Sejm would once again defer the vote on the Institute’s president. This move, proposed by Deputy Speaker Piotr Zgorzelski of the PSL, marks the third postponement of the vote regarding Mateusz Szpytma.

Governing coalition remains divided

Although the Sejm’s Justice and Human Rights Committee recommended Szpytma in April, his candidacy is supported by PiS, Confederation, PSL, and some MPs from Poland 2050. The Civic Coalition and the Left oppose him. Even if he passes the Sejm, Szpytma faces significant obstacles in the Senate, where the coalition currently holds a majority.

Institutional vacuum continues

The Institute has been without a permanent president since August 2025, when Karol Nawrocki assumed the presidency of Poland. Previous attempts to elect a successor, including Karol Polejowski, have failed. The current dispute is fueled by the composition of the IPN College, as most members were appointed during the previous administration.