Polish President Karol Nawrocki voiced his sharp disapproval of the election of Włodzimierz Czarzasty as Sejm marshal on Tuesday, November 18, despite acknowledging the parliament’s decision.
Reaction of the President to the Election of the Marshal
During a radio interview, President Nawrocki said he was not enthusiastic about the parliament’s choice. “I was not as pleased when I heard that Włodzimierz Czarzasty had been elected marshal of the Sejm,” he said. He added that he would work with the new marshal despite their ideological differences.
Symbolic Significance
Nawrocki noted that the election carries symbolic weight. “Today we have an anti‑communist president and a post‑communist marshal, each with a very distant view of the state’s future,” he remarked. He recalled that Czarzasty joined the Polish United Workers’ Party in 1983, the same year the president was born.
Return to the PRL
According to the president, the current political climate evokes emotions tied to history that should belong to the past. He said Poland paid a high price for system reform after 1989 and that young people still see the communist system as a distant, oppressive force. He warned that electing Czarzasty could rekindle social sentiments about the PRL.
We Are Not Heading in the Right Direction
While respecting parliament’s choice, Nawrocki insisted he deeply disagreed. He expressed concern that the current arrangement might deepen social tensions, noting that the symbolism surrounding the new marshal reflects a return to memories and emotions from a period many hoped to leave behind.
Collaboration Beyond Divides?
Despite criticism of Czarzasty and the prime minister, the president declared willingness to cooperate with anyone holding public office, regardless of political views. He said the responsibility to the state binds all those in charge, even if it means working with a former post‑communist marshal or a controversial prime minister.
New Marshal of the Sejm
Włodzimierz Czarzasty was elected on Tuesday, November 18, to replace Szymon Hołowni. The move is part of the coalition agreement under Donald Tusk’s government. Critics focus on the marshal’s past, including his role as chair of the “Ordynacka” association, membership in the Polish United Workers’ Party, and involvement in the Rywina affair. He has also been co‑chair of the New Left since 2021.