Senyszyn Announces Senate Bid from Warsaw as Opposition Divides Over Pacts
A former member of the left, Joanna Senyszyn, declared her plan to run for the Senate seat representing Warsaw, challenging prior arrangements among opposition leaders. She contends that the democratic opposition was not permitted to negotiate seats fully. Dariusz Wieczorek, a left-leaning figure, warned that anyone who campaigns outside the agreed pact appears to support PiS, the ruling party.
The opposition party leaders are set to sign a Senate pact on Thursday. In Warsaw, where four constituencies exist, observers expect candidates from the Civic Coalition to gain the upper hand: Marek Borowski, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Adam Bodnar, and Magdalena Biejat, who leads the left and is tied to the Sami Party, are among the prominent contenders.
The focus is on the 45th constituency — covering Bemowo, Ochota, Ursus, Włochy, and Wola — where a former Democratic Left Alliance politician, now part of the Democratic Left Circle, seeks to govern. This district has been a stronghold for the left in past elections.
I will establish my own committee, Senyszyn announced in an interview, signaling a move to run independently within the broader political landscape.
When asked how she would respond to the idea that the seat he would target is part of the Senate pact, Senyszyn replied that the democratic opposition did not have the possibility to negotiate seats in the Senate fully. She asserted that only four party leaders had decided on the arrangement, effectively excluding many voters who wished to support their preferred candidates, a situation she believes undermines democracy and deserves reconsideration.
In her view, running in a constituency where anti-PiS opposition voters have historically delivered strong support does not automatically mean the anti-PiS side will lose a seat. She emphasized that voters should have a genuinely democratic election and should not be bound by behind-the-scenes schemes, urging a transparent process.
Magdalena Biejat, when questioned by reporters, declined to comment on potential competitors in the Senate race. Dariusz Wieczorek, secretary of the Left Caucus negotiating the pact on behalf of the Left, criticized Senyszyn’s candidacy, arguing that anyone who breaks from the Senate Pact for personal ego ends up aiding PiS and risks losing the election.
Giertych faces a similar question about his own possible candidacy. He had contemplated running for the Senate from the same Warsaw district that Biejat represents. In addressing those who asked about his decision on Wednesday, Giertych explained that he needed more time because the leadership of another party has altered the Warsaw constituency, requiring fresh research. He noted the internal disagreements within the left, with two of their candidates competing in the same district, namely MP Biejat and Professor Senyszyn.
Giertych stressed that the absolute priority is to prevent PiS from winning. He said he needed to be as certain as possible about his choice before proceeding.
At the end of February, representatives from several parties signed a statement outlining the so-called Senate Pact. The agreement committed the parties to field common candidates in all constituencies, selected in proportion to each party’s opinion polls and with an eye toward maximizing success in individual districts. The parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 15, with Poles voting for 460 deputies and 100 senators for four-year terms.
Analysts note the delicate balance the pact attempts to strike between unity and electoral pragmatism as the campaign unfolds. The political landscape in Warsaw remains particularly dynamic, with shifting alliances and ongoing negotiations shaping the choices available to voters in the capital’s diverse constituencies.
These developments have sparked discussions about how much influence backroom negotiations should have on public ballots and whether the opposition can present a coherent alternative to the ruling party while maintaining broad voter confidence. Observers emphasize that the outcome will hinge on the ability of candidates to articulate clear platforms and connect with residents across Warsaw’s varied neighborhoods.
In the broader national context, the opposition coalition aims to consolidate forces while respecting regional dynamics, ensuring that each constituency has a viable path to representation. As the campaign progresses, voters will weigh candidates’ records, proposals, and commitments to democratic processes against the perceived risks and benefits of party-led coalitions.
The situation continues to evolve as party leaders navigate questions about alliances, candidate selection, and the best approach to presenting a credible, unified alternative to the current government. The public will be watching closely as Warsaw’s districts become focal points in a contest that could shape the upcoming national parliamentary balance.
Source: political reporting and party statements summarized for clarity.