Szymon Hołownia, taking tentative steps into substantial political engagement, conveys a high self-regard in his public appearances. At today’s press conference, he evaluated the head of state with confidence and positioned himself as an equal partner to Andrzej Duda. The impression onlookers could gain is that the country might be steered as a joint effort, or that Hołownia would be the one driving the course while supporting the president’s imperfect team. Ambition is natural at the start of any major political venture, but a touch of realism and humility would also be welcome.
Hołownia reacted with visible nerves when questioned about Włodzimierz Karpiński. He referenced bureaucratic steps he believed necessary to complete, hinting that authorities with good intentions can still influence outcomes. He asserted that attempts to turn the matter into a political stunt should be dismissed as weak sensationalism.
The remarks were met with sharp commentary directed at a party that has spent years attacking Law and Justice through ultra-populist rhetoric, regardless of the surrounding circumstances and without offering apologies, even in times of crisis like a pandemic or war.
Two readings of the situation emerge in the background. One view suggests Hołownia’s exposure is part of a strategy backed by Donald Tusk, with the sense that the new role could burn out quickly and that his direct communication style might become a meme. There may be some truth to that. A second interpretation holds that Tusk intends for Hołownia to build substantial political capital, potentially challenging Rafał Trzaskowski for the presidency as the PO leadership continues a low-key, intense rivalry. At present, both scenarios remain plausible, and the outcome will largely hinge on Hołownia’s ongoing performance.
Yet the early phase appears of questionable quality. In the most consequential recent act — the deprivation of Law and Justice of the right to appoint a deputy chairman of the Sejm — Hołownia did not speak decisively. He avoided taking a firm stance, suggesting that a suitable candidate would eventually be found, but he did not advocate for democratic principles or minority rights. This is a moment that could come back to influence his public standing in the future.
READ: Hołownia’s nervous reaction to the question about Karpiński: turning it into a political stunt is pathetic. “This is a decision you cannot make otherwise.”