The Third Way persists in advocating a referendum on abortion, according to Szymon Hołownia, the chairman of the Sejm and the leader of Poland 2050, in an interview cited by Rzeczpospolita.
A serious mission for the new marshal
When asked how he hopes to renew the appearance of the Sejm, Hołownia answered, “with conversation, patience, and kindness.”
He acknowledged that malice and rhetorical games can exist in parliamentary life, yet he expressed a strong preference to lower the emotional temperature in the Sejm and see what changes follow.
– he explained.
“Do not escalate further. An escalation would be dangerous. Deepening divisions and internal weakness invite external pressure.”
– he added.
He cited Israel and the Gaza situation, among many other historical examples, as reminders of what can happen when politics spirals out of control.
– he assessed.
Disagreements are normal, and disputes will occur, but the Sejm should not become a battlefield. “I want the Sejm not to be a stage for contempt, but a stage for discussions,” he remarked.
– said the chairperson of the Sejm.
He noted that he frequently speaks with new MPs, and many feel that the daily rhythm of meetings has not matched their expectations for public spectacle.
If nothing changes in this area over four years, Hołownia warned, the country may still fail, regardless of how many laws pass.
– he emphasized in the interview for Rz.
Procedures and regulations of the Sejm
Asked what changes he would pursue in the next two years and how the regulations might be altered, Hołownia, as Marshal, said: “I started by changing how procedures are conducted.”
“We need a different style than what has characterized this room for the past eight years. Together with the deputy speakers, we will, subject to MPs’ agreement, try to soften the debate instead of intensifying it.”
– he explained.
The Sejm’s rules must be applied clearly. There are several ways to discipline the chamber, not only to rebuke members, but to enable decisions and draw conclusions that people expect.
– noted Szymon Hołownia.
After three weeks of weekly discussions, he shared his practical insights, while wondering whether his own optimism might read as impractical idealism.
– he said.
“At the start of each session day, MPs proffer what are called formal motions. They are not merely formal; they are statements from clubs on current topics and a chance for sharp mini-debates.”
– he explained.
He considered whether it might be better to give clubs more time each day to present their views on current affairs, so participants could express what their clubs stand for without pretense. Yet he noted that experienced MPs and staff from the Sejm Chancellery warned that this could still end with MPs making statements and later submitting quasi-motions anyway.
– explained the Chairman of the Sejm. He added that the Sejm is actively seeking ways to ventilate public discourse.
“The barriers have disappeared; we are preparing a citizens’ assembly and broader access to public hearings. Journalists have been allowed in where they could not go before,”
– said Hołownia.
“TVP Info puts red filters on my face”
Asked about the future of public media, the Sejm chair said the changes would come soon. There are several paths to address the issue. Ongoing work should be swift and precise, not a takeover by one party, but a systematic fix.
– he explained.
“TVP Info puts red filters on my face and this is anecdotal; they do the same with Tusk and others. But above all, Poles deserve reliable information, untainted by propaganda, because it is on that basis they decide where they will live, which school to send their child to, or where to invest in business.”
– explained Szymon Hołownia.
Asked whether there would be less resistance in the opposite direction, the Sejm chair said: “as long as I and Poland 2050 have something to say on this issue, we will do everything possible to ensure there is no political hesitation in finance ministry or public media.”
Jumping into the most aggressive political moves would be a misstep for democracy and could undermine change through the term. Voters gave a mandate for a meaningful shift, not merely replacing one leader with another.
– he assessed.
Third Way for a referendum on abortion
When asked if abortion will be raised in this Sejm and whether the announced referendum will take place, Hołownia stated: “we will have to address this topic.” He noted that two leftist bills on the issue have already been submitted and are under discussion.
He reaffirmed that “The Third Way remains in the position that a referendum should be held.”
In coalition with KO and the Left, there is a mutual agreement to disagree. There is an understanding to disagree—each side will chart its own course while consulting to avoid a disaster. Each party holds a clear stance that has not shifted since the election.
– explained the Chairman of the Sejm.
When asked what the referendum question might sound like, Hołownia suggested that it should be drafted collectively, in a people’s assembly. “I hope next year a citizens’ assembly will launch at the Sejm. I will invite top specialists in citizen participation in Poland to work with me,”
– he explained.
Partnerships. Hołownia says “yes”
On whether civil partnerships will be processed, the Sejm chairman expressed openness: “I would like to see such a bill.”
If he sees merit, he would support it. It probably won’t be a government project, but he would be glad to vote in favor if it reaches the Sejm.
– assured Szymon Hołownia.
The conversation then touched on the balloon of expectations around his leadership, wondering how soon it might burst. Analysts and observers alike reflected on Hołownia’s appeal and whether it would endure as real policy issues demanded attention.
– Our interview. Professor Ryba: Hołownia’s popularity may irritate Tusk. It will pass when real problems emerge in the Sejm
— Dorota Łosiewicz: Hołownia’s show deserves careful watching by Donald Tusk, who still aims for a higher office
— The Marshal of the Sejm did not find time to meet with the minister. Szydło advised Hołownia: “No more show; you must engage with serious politics.”
– New song from Sieć: “There are signs Hołownia did not emerge as a new kind of politician on his own, but was cultivated, as it were.”
olnk/PAP/wPolityce.pl
(Source: wPolityce)