During the Sejm session on a Tuesday, PiS member of parliament Artur Soboń drew public notice after dining with a glass of wine. Following the meal, he chose to ride his bicycle through the streets of Warsaw, a moment captured by photojournalists working for Fakt. The parliamentary proceedings that day continued late into the night, with the debates and votes wrapping up around 23:00, and the MP was later seen arriving at a restaurant adjacent to the Sejm around 21:00.
According to Fakt, a politician leaving the party with a companion happened to cross a crosswalk and the sidewalk as he made his way home, prompting discussions about road safety and responsible behavior in public life.
Comment from the MP
News reporters sought a direct statement from the involved party about the incident.
On November 28, Soboń was present at the Sejm for the day’s debates and votes, an account that can be corroborated by the parliamentary records. That evening, he went to a nearby dining establishment for dinner, where he had a glass of wine with the meal, and he maintains that his alcohol intake remained within permissible limits. He also confirms that he rode his bike to the Sejm and did the same on the return trip, a mode of transport he says he recommends for others as well. If any crosswalk or adjacent cycle path was not in place at a given intersection, he accepts responsibility for any fault and offers a formal apology. As a gesture of accountability and a learning moment for the future, he states that a donation of 500 PLN will be made to a selected public good organization focused on road safety.
– stated Artur Soboń.
The road safety expert quoted in Fakt responded to the events, noting that there is no safe threshold of alcohol consumption from a safety perspective. While the precise state of the MP after the evening remains unverified, the expert described the situation as a cautionary example of risky behavior and a pattern worth avoiding. The expert described the conduct as irresponsible and unattractive, emphasizing the broader implications for public trust and road safety.
– expressed the expert in an interview with Fakt.
The discussion around the incident highlights ongoing debates about personal responsibility, public perceptions of lawmakers, and the role of elected officials in modeling safe behavior on and off duty. Observers point to the importance of clear rules and consistent standards for public figures, especially when their actions involve traffic safety and the use of bicycles as a commuting option.
This incident has sparked conversations about how representatives balance private leisure with official duties and how communities respond to high-profile cases of potentially unsafe conduct. The overarching message from road safety advocates remains: no amount of alcohol is considered safe when operating a vehicle or a bike, and accountability matters in maintaining public confidence and everyday safety for all road users.
In summary, the episode draws attention to the responsibilities that accompany public office, the expectations of personal conduct, and the continuing need for strong road safety practices among lawmakers and citizens alike. The sequence of events—an evening meal, a bicycle ride, and subsequent reflections—serves as a case study in balancing personal choices with public responsibilities.