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Controversy in Polska 2050 over suspension of MP who criticised party leader’s secret late-night meeting with PiS rivals

07.07.2025 16:16
Poland’s Polska 2050 party faces backlash after suspending MP Tomasz Zimoch for publicly condemning leader Szymon Hołownia’s secret midnight meeting with right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party rivals, sparking debate over loyalty and transparency within the party.
Former sports commentator Tomasz Zimoch (right) in an archive photo with former journalist and TV presenter Szymon Hołownia (left), the leader of the Polska 2025, which both joined after putting their media careers on hold to enter politics.
Former sports commentator Tomasz Zimoch (right) in an archive photo with former journalist and TV presenter Szymon Hołownia (left), the leader of the Polska 2025, which both joined after putting their media careers on hold to enter politics.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell

Tomasz Zimoch has been suspended for a month by Polska 2050, the party led by Szymon Hołownia - who currently serves as Speaker of the lower house of parliament (the Sejm) - after Zimoch openly criticised him.

“I’ve just read a text message from the head of the parliamentary group: ‘Tomku. The presidium of the group has decided to suspend your membership rights for a month.’ This doesn’t change anything - I will remain true to myself,” Zimoch wrote on social media.

Criticised Polska 2050 leader, suspended for a month

The decision to suspend Zimoch was linked to his criticism of Hołownia over revelations by Radio ZET and Newsweek Polska that the Speaker visited the private apartment of Law and Justice (PiS) MEP Adam Bielan late on Thursday night, shortly before midnight.

The gathering, also attended by Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the conservative PiS party, and Deputy Speaker of the Senate, the upper house of the Polish parliament, Michał Kamiński, provoked a wave of criticism from coalition allies and members of Hołownia’s own party.

Zimoch, a former sports commentator who entered politics after leaving the media, was among those who strongly condemned the meeting.

According to Polska 2050 deputy leader Bartosz Romowicz, the decision to suspend Zimoch was not unanimous, with a 5-to-1 vote.

Speaking in parliament, Romowicz said he opposed such a radical step, arguing that many issues could still be resolved through dialogue, as reported by TVN24.  

(mp)

Source: X/@tzimoch/@tvn24