In Warsaw, the newly elected marshal Szymon Hołownia faced fierce opposition from PiS lawmakers, who threatened retaliation and announced the elimination of vice‑marshal positions.
New Left Secures Marshal Seat
On Tuesday in the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia of the New Left was elected marshal, with his deputy also chosen. The vote proceeded under the provisions of the coalition agreement but quickly turned confrontational.
PiS MPs Denounce Czarzasty, Record Videos
PiS members shouted “Enough of communism,” citing the former leader’s affiliation with the PZPR and past statements praising Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski. Prior to the vote, several MPs left the chamber twice and filmed the debate with their phones, provoking the marshal’s vice‑speaker Piotr Zgorzelski.
Vice‑Marshal Positions Under Fire
The opposition warned that Czarzasty would not be an easy marshal. One PiS representative said: “We will keep protesting; he will not enjoy his role.” Koalicja Obywatelska echoed the anticipation of heated debate and claimed that Czarzasty’s leadership would attract anti‑PiS voters.
Elżbieta Witek’s Vice‑Marshal Bid Rejected
Earlier this month, PiS attempted to nominate former marshal Elżbieta Witek for vice‑marshal. However, all opposition clubs voted against her, citing her past violations of parliamentary rules. Another PiS deputy noted that during previous governments, the opposition had secured three vice‑marshals, including Piotr Zgorzelski, Małgorzata Kidawa‑Błońska, and Czarzasty – but that this would change after the next elections.