Polish officials weigh in on a controversy surrounding the education claims of Szymon Hołownia, the leader of Poland 2050 and the current chair of the Sejm. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz publicly stated that Hołownia’s claim of not studying at Collegium Humanum is straightforward, and he expressed full confidence in the coalition partner’s explanation.
A day earlier, a weekly magazine suggested that Hołownia studied at Collegium Humanum. In response, Hołownia denied the report during a discussion with journalists in the Sejm.
Hołownia will defend itself
Hołownia warned that if it later appears that services had a role in spreading false information to smear him before the elections, the episode would signal a serious crisis of trust within the ruling coalition. At a press conference the same day, he noted that he is considering taking legal action against Collegium Humanum for the unlawful handling of his personal data.
“I will do everything I can to defend my good name,” he stated. He added that, like many others, he feels he was a victim of the university. “I assumed I would be able to study and graduate there normally, but this institution has a suspicious reputation,” he said.
Hołownia’s stance was clear, and his explanation received support from his coalition partner. A message from the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Hołownia’s account is trusted and that the coalition stands behind him.
Collegium Humanum scandal
Officials have been looking into irregularities linked to Collegium Humanum, a private university that is now known as Varsovia University of Business and Applied Sciences, since February. Reporters uncovered that the institution offered fast‑track programs that allegedly granted MBA credentials. Such diplomas were said to ease access to supervisory boards of companies and other state bodies, raising concerns about credibility and influence.
The university claimed foreign partners and assurances of credibility, but investigators found gaps in authorization to offer MBA studies. Graduates reportedly included politicians, executives in finance, intelligence personnel, and military officers.
Since February, roughly thirty people have been detained as part of the investigation. The case has touched public officials, including a former PiS member of parliament and the mayor of a major city, highlighting concerns about the vetting of private educational credentials and their use in public life.
The discussion around the matter has fed broader debates about trust in institutions, data protection, and the integrity of information in the political arena as Poland heads toward elections.