A political dispute emerged after a post by PSL-KP Senator Jan Filip Libicki referencing remarks by journalist Tomasz Terlikowski about victims of pedophilia within church communities. Terlikowski argued that harm has touched many people across parishes, orders, congregations, seminaries, and connected groups, and that revealing these harms could shift public perception of the church as an institution. A portion of the public labeled the remarks provocative and inappropriate.
Libicki responded by saying that Terlikowski’s framing places excessive emphasis on victims, suggesting such focus might overlook other important concerns. He later admitted a mistake and offered an apology to victims who felt offended during the discussion.
Poland 2050 leader Szymon Hołownia weighed in on Libicki’s remarks in an interview, calling the statement outrageous and arguing it should never have happened. He noted that conversations between PSL and Poland 2050 have not yet addressed personal candidacies within their Senate pact discussions. Hołownia emphasized that negotiations are focused on the mechanics of a potential alliance rather than individual names.
Hołownia also stated that he would strongly object to Libicki’s inclusion on any list after such a statement. He stressed that any cooperative path would require careful consideration of how lists are formed and who participates in them.
Is Libicki an obstacle to a PSL–Hołownia alliance?
While everyone can have moments of weaker judgment in heated exchanges, Hołownia argued that the Libicki episode was unacceptable. He underscored the need to align any electoral strategy with respect for victims and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The discussion then turned to how abuse cases should be handled, with Hołownia insisting that honoring the victim’s perspective is essential for civil standards and practical policy outcomes.
Hołownia also addressed the political implications. He suggested that PSL’s candidate lists remain under review and that Libicki’s potential place on any list would be weighed within the broader party reflection and the coalition’s direction. He indicated that further talks with party leadership would determine how deeply Libicki’s conduct would influence decisions about alliance formation.
When asked about discussing the issue with the PSL’s president, Hołownia said conversations would continue to assess whether there is deeper reflection within the party on Libicki’s conduct. He added that there should be a clear sequence: the party takes a position first, followed by a public response, ensuring orderly deliberations.
Opposition dynamics and the idea of a single list
Hołownia described the single-electoral-list concept as risky for all parties. He noted that concrete dialogue has not yet occurred and expressed hope that opposition leaders would improve communication over the coming weeks to craft a credible proposal.
In candid terms, he attributed poll declines to two main factors. First, expectations around a unified list created disappointment when unmet. Second, the broader opposition coalition faced strategic pressures, which he suggested led to demobilization among voters and increased support for alternative blocs. He recalled that for years PSL had stated it would not join any single list with certain partners and that other factions had voiced similar positions. He hinted that the political landscape could shift depending on how negotiations unfold.
Hołownia argued that a purely media-driven process for forming a single list is risky and stressed the importance of substantive, in-person discussions about seat allocation, personnel, and geographic distribution. He described ongoing talks as a tactical effort aimed at presenting a coherent plan capable of winning broad support without compromising core values. He indicated the goal is to offer a credible, independent option that remains committed to European Union membership and democratic norms while leaving room for a pragmatic third option to emerge.
Asked whether Poland 2050 would announce a joint start of the electoral campaign with PSL soon, Hołownia replied that timing remains uncertain. He emphasized that talks are progressing slowly because the parties want alignment on every aspect before making public announcements. He noted that a detailed agreement would cover personnel, funding, districts, and organizational structures and suggested a clear message would likely emerge between Christmas and May, with flexibility for all possible formats, including a single list if a viable compromise is found.
The dialogue also touched on the broader prospect of a third option in opposition politics. Hołownia maintained that all options are on the table, including a single list, but stressed that current discussions require careful consideration and concrete proposals rather than media-driven statements. The objective remains to present a credible and unified stance that can reshape the political landscape while preserving democratic norms and European alignment.
Related updates note public reactions to Libicki’s comments and clarifications from the involved parties. Endnotes and context are provided by various outlets and political commentators to chronicle the evolving stance of the PSL, Poland 2050, and allied factions. The coverage reflects ongoing assessments of how best to navigate alliances, reflect on past statements, and shape a strategy that resonates with voters. References are attributed to ongoing reporting from flagship outlets such as wPolityce.