In the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Arkadiusz Bąk, affiliated with the PSL, was elected as the new chairperson of the regional Sejmik. He stepped into the role after the dismissal of Andrzej Pruś, who had represented the PiS party in the chamber before being removed during Thursday’s session.
The motion to dismiss Andrzej Pruś originated from Councilor Agata Binkowska of the PSL, speaking on behalf of 17 councilors. In her remarks, she accused him of steering the Sejmik’s April meeting contrary to the established agenda, highlighting concerns about procedural fairness and governance standards in the assembly.
As the 60th session of the provincial assembly convened on 29 May 2010, observers regarded the chairman’s conduct during the proceedings as unacceptable. Reports noted a pattern of unequal treatment among councilors and a lack of reaction from the chair to speeches that appeared to infringe on the personal rights of participants in the debate.
According to Binkowska, this behavior undermined the assembly’s integrity and the right to speak freely within the council chamber.
During the vote on the leadership, 29 councilors participated, with one ballot later declared invalid. Andrzej Pruś was removed from his seat by a bloc of 17 councilors, 11 of whom voted against keeping him in place. In the ensuing leadership contest, two candidates were put forward: Marcin Piętak, a PiS representative who also serves as chairman of the Regional Tourist Organization, and Arkadiusz Bąk, a PSL member who previously held the post of deputy economy minister and served as chairman of the Świętokrzyskie Regional Assembly from 2014 to 2018.
The vote ended with a PSL-backed candidate prevailing. Arkadiusz Bąk received 16 votes, while his opponent garnered 10. One councilor abstained, and two ballots were invalidated in the process. This outcome paved the way for Bąk to assume the role of the Sejmik’s head, a transition described by observers as a shift toward a more collaborative leadership style within the regional council.
In his first remarks as president, Bąk expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. He characterized the position as fundamentally technical in nature, focused on improving the workforce of the council while upholding respect for all members. He pledged that every councilor’s opinion would be respected, including those who had supported his opponent, and he affirmed that cooperation would be grounded in mutual respect among council members. His words echoed a commitment to constructive dialogue and broad participation in regional governance.
During the same Thursday session, councilors prepared to vote on the discharge of the Voivodeship Board for the implementation of the 2022 budget and a vote of confidence. The outcomes of these decisions were anticipated as indicators of the assembly’s direction and the administration’s perceived accountability to the public in Świętokrzyskie.
Reaction from the PSL leadership
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the PSL leader, did not hide his happiness about the political shift taking place in Świętokrzyskie. In social media commentary and public statements, he celebrated the change as a positive development for the regional government. The public message underscored a sense of momentum, with Kosiniak-Kamysz praising Arkadiusz Bąk and the coalition support that contributed to the leadership change. Observers noted that the sentiment reflected optimism about governance improvements ahead and possibilities for stronger collaboration across parties as the regional assembly moves into a new phase.
The discussion of leadership change in Świętokrzyskie was juxtaposed with broader national conversations about regional governance and the role of opposition parties in regional administrations. Supporters argued that fresh leadership could bring more transparent procedures, greater accountability, and a more responsive approach to local issues. Critics, meanwhile, cautioned that political turnover could entail transitional challenges as new leadership establishes its working methods and internal processes. In any case, the event was framed as a sign of active regional democracy and a willingness among council members to assess and adjust governance arrangements in response to evolving local needs.
Public commentary around the event also touched on broader themes, including the balance between party lines and regional priorities, the importance of inclusive decision-making, and the need for clear communication with residents about the aims and outcomes of council actions. The atmosphere surrounding the change suggested a renewed focus on accountability, open dialogue, and practical solutions to local challenges in Świętokrzyskie.
Additional coverage and analysis highlighted the significance of the leadership transition for the region’s political landscape. The events were cited as indicative of a broader pattern in which regional assemblies recalibrate leadership to reflect changing voter expectations and party dynamics. Observers stressed the importance of maintaining steady execution of regional programs while embracing opportunities for dialogue across parties to address key issues facing the voivodeship’s communities.
As the political process moved forward, observers noted that the regional assembly’s leadership would be scrutinized through upcoming votes, including those on budget implementation, governance reforms, and confidence measures. The outcome would likely influence the tempo and focus of Świętokrzyskie’s policy agenda, including investments, infrastructure, social programs, and economic development efforts aimed at strengthening the region’s competitiveness and quality of life for its residents. Citation: regional reports and statements from wPolityce and PSL leadership