Polish opposition parties move toward a coalition framework before the Sejm’s opening session
The leading figures of the current opposition are pushing to finalize a coalition agreement before the first session of the new Sejm. Szymon Hołownia, head of Poland 2050 and a prominent figure in the Third Way, emphasized in Białystok that the pact should be open, detailed, and accessible to citizens.
Andrzej Duda announced on Thursday tentative plans for the Sejm of the 10th term to meet on Monday, November 13.
Hołownia suggested that teams aiming to swiftly shape a coalition should begin work on Monday. He noted broad programmatic convergence across multiple groups, making the process less arduous than it might appear.
Speaking at a Friday press conference in Białystok, the city that gave him a parliamentary seat, he added that before the November holidays there should be a formal approach to the President. The proposal would present both the government’s likely composition and the coalition agreement for consideration.
The coalition agreement should be public and as comprehensive as possible. While it need not mirror lengthy agreements from other European coalitions, it must outline the core priorities, identify the most urgent issues to be addressed first, and remain accessible to citizens as a transparent record of commitments.
Hołownia on ending the Polish-Polish political divide
Hołownia described his group and the Third Way as anchors offering reassurance during a period of change. If reconciliation and constructive dialogue are to take hold, Parliament must heal, and the government must represent a genuine partnership rather than a single dominant force.
The aim is to avoid replicating the mistakes attributed to opponents and to prevent a return to confrontational politics. The speaker urged parliamentarians to recognize the responsibility they carry when voting on new laws and to keep the nation’s democratic standards at the forefront.
When asked about his own future role, Hołownia joked that chairs in the Sejm matter less than the vision for the legislature. He called for an open Parliament where power does not reside with one party, emphasizing the need for broad participation and shared decision-making.
He added that the public desires a team drawn from different groups with a clear division of responsibilities. No candidate for the Sejm chair had been named yet, but Hołownia stressed that the process would be a joint decision rather than the product of any single faction.
In addressing other political figures, Hołownia referenced President Andrzej Duda and spoke about a broader strategic dialogue. He hinted that a future coalition negotiation would involve discussions with the President about the majority’s formation and the appropriate governance structure. He suggested that Donald Tusk could be a central figure in these negotiations, should the President decide to nominate him as Prime Minister.
The conversation touched on the arithmetic of the majority. Hołownia stated that the current majority equates to 248 seats, but he cautioned that attempts to reinterpret this figure could mislead the public. He asserted that there is currently no majority aligned with Law and Justice and criticized perceptions about the government’s support among voters who chose different parties in the October elections.
These remarks were reported alongside analyses about how the presidency and coalition talks might unfold, with media framing that highlighted the evolving power dynamics and strategic choices facing Poland’s political landscape. The overall message underscored a move toward inclusive governance and pragmatic negotiation, rather than partisan maneuvering. [Source: wPolityce]
Additional context and aftermath
Observers noted the emphasis on a public, detailed coalition program as a key step toward restoring trust in political institutions. The discussions signal a shift from posturing to concrete planning aimed at stabilizing parliamentary proceedings and advancing legislative agendas in a collaborative environment. The consensus around a transparent coalition agreement appears to be a cornerstone of this approach, intended to guide governance through clear commitments and shared responsibilities. [Source: wPolityce]