It is hard to picture a politician taking time off when the post is enshrined in the constitution, said Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia as reporters asked whether he would pause duties during the presidential campaign. He stressed his plan to continue serving as marshal throughout the period.
In mid November, the leader of Poland 2050 disclosed plans to run in next year’s presidential race. Reporters pressed whether he would take leave during the campaign. At the same time, Karol Nawrocki, the president of the Institute of National Remembrance and a presidential candidate supported by PiS, said he would step away from the Institute on election day, which is scheduled for January 8.
Contextual notes aside, Hołownia reiterated his stance on serving as Sejm marshal while campaigning, while allowing that exceptional circumstances could require a temporary withdrawal.
The marshal said he would fulfill his constitutional duties and would consider a leave only if necessary.
He had already stated his intention to continue leading the Sejm and to fulfill his constitutional duties.
Still, he acknowledged that a leave could be required in some circumstances, and if that happened he would probably transfer duties to deputy Piotr Zgorzelski of PSL. In his view, balancing the Sejm chair with a late-stage campaign is technically and logistically unworkable.
Hołownia added that campaigning could be more demanding for him because he would spend long stretches in parliament rather than hitting the campaign trail regularly.
He also noted that while others travel around to drum up support, he will be at the center of the parliamentary contest.
Regarding Nawrocki’s leave plan, Hołownia stressed that INR’s head must stay apolitical by law, while adding that the Sejm speaker is inherently political.
Hołownia argued Nawrocki should not only step back but also consider resignation given the nonpartisan nature required by the office.
Hołownia added that Nawrocki is not playing the same game or under the same rules as the politicians contesting the elections.
Public debate surrounds Nawrocki’s possible resignation amid his presidential bid. Some say the Law on the Institute prohibits party membership or public activity incompatible with the office; opinions vary, including among PiS figures.
Campaign activity is expected to begin in January when the Sejm speaker reveals the date for next year’s presidential vote, slated for May. Those who have signalled intent include Rafał Trzaskowski, Nawrocki backed by PiS, Hołownia, Sławomir Mentzen, and Marek Jakubiak.
Poland 2050 leader Hołownia also addressed Jacek Bartmiński’s dismissal from the post of Deputy Minister of State Properties, saying the coalition would not rush to appoint a replacement until financial-structure issues were clarified while noting that the coalition continues.
Bartmiński said his dismissal resulted from the Prime Minister’s assessment of LOT’s supervision. Jan Grabiec, the head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, confirmed the decision was taken at the Prime Minister’s request.
Bartmiński stated that he had not been told that assets would be moved to another ministry.
On Friday, Bartmiński stated that the framework allowing a Poland 2050 representative in MAP’s management had run its course.
Poland 2050’s exclusion from supervision of state-owned enterprises does not mark the end of the coalition; the party will continue to push forward with the coalition agreement.
Bartmiński later indicated that aspects of the asset transfer had been kept from him, leaving questions about governance and oversight in the transition period unresolved.