Polish opposition debates a constructive vote of no confidence
Discussing a bold idea, former party leader Grzegorz Schetyna commented on Tuesday about Szymon Hołownia’s proposal for a constructive vote of no confidence against the government. Hołownia, who has called for a state of national rescue during a difficult winter, argues for a government of national unity that could lead for a fixed period. Schetyna suggested that the proposal is difficult to implement at this stage, noting the strong cohesion of the ruling PiS club and the challenge of persuading ten or more MPs to join such an effort.
There is skepticism about the likelihood of success. Some observers question whether there is a viable opposition candidate for head of government, while Hołownia emphasizes that the proposal does not require him to become prime minister, but rather points to the need for a capable political figure who can unite different strands of opposition for a defined period. In his view, the opposition would need to rally around a single candidate and a concrete plan to present to the public.
Hołownia argued that the opposition should put forward a constructive motion and allow the government to respond. The idea involves convincing a bloc of lawmakers from the other side to accept a new framework for leadership, with the aim of forming a government of national rescue. He stressed that the motion would need the backing of multiple parliamentary clubs and circles, signaling to voters that a coherent alternative is ready to step in if the current administration cannot handle the winter pressures.
Schetyna expressed caution about the timing and feasibility of such a move. He noted that the political landscape currently features significant differences between opposition groups and warned that lifting the government through a constructive vote would require careful coordination among all opposition factions. He described the process as difficult, perhaps even impossible under the present conditions, given the internal dynamics of the parliamentary scene.
Regarding the potential candidate for prime minister, Schetyna said there is a challenge in securing the necessary signatures. He suggested that the Civic Coalition could initiate the process, after which the candidate would likely be the chairman of the Platforma party. He added that without a clear signal from the Civic Platform showing openness to discussions, progress would remain uncertain, reinforcing the sense that more time is needed to integrate the opposition and prepare for elections.
In a Tuesday appearance on Polsat News, Hołownia reiterated that his proposal does not require his own prime ministership. He argued that a purely expert government could lack a legitimate mandate, and he believed there exists a political figure capable of bridging different factions and coordinating a practical plan for governance if the opposition can unite behind it. The constitutional framework requires a constructive vote of no confidence to be submitted with a candidate’s name by at least 46 deputies, with the Sejm voting no earlier than seven days after submission. The motion must reflect a clear commitment to forming a new government and outlining the path forward for the country as it faces the winter period. [Source: wPolityce]