PiS Changes Course on Sejm Deputy Speaker as Błaszczak Names Marcin Ociepa

Law and Justice has abandoned its push for Elżbieta Witek and nominated Marcin Ociepa for Sejm deputy speaker, aiming to secure a long-vacant leadership post amid shifting parliamentary dynamics.

PiS Puts Forward Marcin Ociepa for Deputy Speaker

Mariusz Błaszczak announced that the candidate is Marcin Ociepa, describing him as the face of pro-development, moderate conservatism. The PiS MP expressed hope that the parliamentary majority will uphold parliamentary standards and that Law and Justice will once again have its representative in the presidium.

Speaking to journalists in the Sejm, Błaszczak conveyed that Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty acknowledged the announcement, noting that everything is now in the hands of the marshal while emphasizing that the vacancy belongs to PiS.

Response to Potential Political Shifts

Asked whether PiS wanted to preempt potential moves by parliamentarians associated with Mateusz Morawiecki’s Rozwój Plus association, Błaszczak replied that even if another club representing another party is formed, PiS will still remain the largest opposition club.

Błaszczak also defended the choice of Ociepa, a former deputy minister in Morawiecki’s governments, citing years of collaboration in the Ministry of National Defense and praising his competence.

Gratitude and Expectations from Ociepa

Błaszczak added that the decision stemmed from Ociepa’s longstanding activity and competence within their political environment.

In a post on the platform X, Ociepa thanked PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, Błaszczak, and the entire club for their trust, calling it a great honor while emphasizing that the goal of politics is public service and hard work for Poland.

Background on Sejm Presidium Vacancy

Law and Justice remains the only parliamentary club without a representative in the Sejm Presidium.

On November 13, 2023, during the first session of the 10th-term Sejm, PiS put forward Elżbieta Witek as its candidate for deputy speaker, but she was not elected after previously running against Szymon Hołownia.

Who Is Marcin Ociepa?

Born in 1984 in Opole, Marcin Ociepa served in Mateusz Morawiecki’s governments as deputy minister of entrepreneurship and technology, deputy minister of development, and deputy minister of national defense.

Since 2019, he has been a United Right MP, previously associated with Jarosław Gowin’s parties and as a co-founder of the OdNowa RP association.

Commentary on the Shift in Strategy

Dominika Wielowieyska of Wyborcza and TOK FM assessed that PiS suddenly woke up and no longer wants Elżbieta Witek, noting that departure of Mateusz Morawiecki and Rozwój Plus prompted Błaszczak to preempt their move.

Krzysztof Berenda of RMF FM stated that fear gripped PiS over the prospect of Morawiecki’s allies securing the deputy speaker position.

Kamila Baranowska from Interia remarked that PiS is so opposed to external associations that it is nominating the head of one for deputy speaker, noting that Ociepa is not even a member of PiS.