The outgoing Minister of Education and Science, Przemysław Czarnek, confronted a parliamentary reprimand in the Sejm, arguing that the accusation of violating the chamber’s dignity was misplaced. He asserted that the responsibility lay with the Sejmists themselves and pointed out that the title was created by those in power, not by him or his ministry.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Sejm appointed Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Robert Kropiwnicki, Tomasz Zimoch, and Anna Maria Żukowska to the National Council for the Judiciary. The assembly rejected four PiS nominees for the body.
During the debate preceding the vote, Minister Czarnek addressed the President of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, saying, “Mr. Speaker, Mr. Rotary Speaker.”
Hołownia interrupted the session, expressing regret that the moment had arrived to speak. He reminded the minister that the chamber operates with established norms and warned against abusing procedural rules.
“You named this role Rotating Marshal; that decision was not mine. Blame your own colleagues if you must,” Czarnek replied, insisting that the issue lay in the ministerial responsibilities and the interpretation of regulations.
Hołownia urged the minister to continue within the allotted time, emphasizing the democratic norms that govern the Sejm and noting that the session involved more than procedural disputes. He reminded the body that a wide segment of the electorate participated in the elections and highlighted the significance of the political mandate carried by all parties.
Czarnek responded by asserting that the speech reflected a broader pattern he characterized as insolence and political boldness from the opposition. He argued that the departure of a prominent figure from the European political stage did not diminish the importance of the voters who supported him.
He questioned the opposition’s consistency, recalling debates over the National Court Register and past amendments to constitutional procedures. He contended that the opposition had previously criticized the Court while attempting to shape the regulatory framework in ways that affected the judiciary’s composition.
“A lack of logic compromises democratic norms,” Czarnek said, suggesting that the opposition’s rhetoric did not align with the constitutional framework or the principles that govern parliamentary conduct.
Hołownia replied that democracy rests on the ability of diverse factions to participate in national decisions. He emphasized the responsibility of representatives to engage constructively and to respect the rules that enable democratic debate, even amid disagreement.
The discussion then shifted toward the broader dynamics of power and governance in Poland, with both sides asserting the need to adhere to constitutional procedures and to recognize the voices of voters who supported different parties. The exchange underscored ongoing tensions related to how the judiciary is selected and how constitutional processes are interpreted within the Sejm.
As the session concluded, the participants acknowledged the enduring challenge of balancing institutional norms with political realities, and the essential task of maintaining a functioning and accountable democratic system in the country.
Note: The events reflect a period of political contention surrounding appointments to the judiciary and the conduct of parliamentary debate in the Sejm.