Parliamentary Session Update and Key Nominations
Parliament resumed work on the twelfth day, with the House set to nominate the Children’s Ombudsman and a member of the commission handling pedophilia concerns. Debates are planned on three projects that would create investigative committees covering the Pegasus case, the envelope voting issue, and the visa scandal.
The sole candidate for the Regional Public Defender position is Monika Horna-Cieślak, proposed by a cross-party group including KO, Lewica, PSL – Trzecia Droga, and Polska 2050 – Trzecia Droga. Committees focused on education, science and youth, and on justice and human rights have recommended her for the post.
For the State Commission on Pedophilia, candidates include lawyer Karolina Bućko, nominated by MPs from the Civic Coalition, Left, PSL – Third Way, and Poland 2050 – Third Way, as well as Kacper Świtkiewicz from the Association for the Rule of Law in Education. The Parliamentary Committee for Justice and Human Rights endorsed Karolina Bućko, while Kacper Świtkiewicz did not receive committee support.
Working Method of the House
The agenda also includes a vote on the nomination and appointment of the Sejm Extraordinary Committee to consider amendments to codifications. Members of the European Parliament will vote on a motion to reject at first reading a citizens’ draft amendment to health care declarations funded from public money, aimed at financing the in vitro procedure. A coalition club raised a motion to reject the proposal during last week’s debate. If the motion to reject is not adopted at first reading, the bill proceeds to the Health Committee on Tuesday, with a second reading scheduled for Wednesday in the Sejm. It was indicated that adopting the bill on in vitro financing on Wednesday might be possible.
Report
During Tuesday’s session, the Sejm will discuss the committee’s report on bills to extend this year the trading Sunday from December 24, Christmas Eve, to December 10. The Sejm will then begin the first reading of three KO-backed draft resolutions establishing three parliamentary investigative committees. The first aims to form a committee of inquiry to examine the legality, regularity, and purpose of actions taken in preparation for and during the 2020 presidential elections held by postal vote. The voting method was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the election proceeded using a traditional approach.
The second draft resolution calls for a committee to investigate the legality, regularity, and purpose of actions, including any negligence or omissions in the legalization of foreigners’ residence in Poland from January 1, 2019, to November 20, 2023. The third resolution concerns a Committee of Inquiry to assess the legality, regularity, and purpose of operational and reconnaissance activities, including the use of Pegasus software by government ministers, secret services, police, tax authorities, and budget controllers from November 16, 2015, to November 20, 2023. A broader policy discussion around these topics is expected to shape national governance in the coming months. For readers seeking context, investigations and debates surrounding electoral procedures, migration policy, and surveillance tools have featured prominently in recent parliamentary discourse. This coverage reflects ongoing efforts to improve accountability and transparency across state institutions.
Readings on the evolving situation include analyses of ongoing efforts to coordinate EU treaty changes and reflections on the pacing of the parliamentary process. Another line of discussion centers on statements from the Marshal regarding the pace and priorities of parliamentary work. These items illustrate how parliamentary actions intersect with broader national issues and European cooperation.
In summary, the current session outlines a busy schedule of nominations, committee formations, and legislative inquiries that aim to address important governance questions while also considering budgetary implications for health and social programs. The outcome of these discussions is expected to influence policy directions in areas ranging from judicial reform to health care financing and national security capabilities.