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Szymon Hołownia resigns as Sejm speaker. Włodzimierz Czarzasty set to succeed him

14.11.2025 11:30
Szymon Hołownia has stepped down as speaker of the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, after exactly two years in the role. Latest reports suggest he is being considered for a top United Nations post.
Szymon Hołownia (right), Włodzimierz Czarzasty (left)
Szymon Hołownia (right), Włodzimierz Czarzasty (left) Photo: Jacek Slomion/REPORTER/East News/Marcin Obara/PAP

His resignation, effective 18 November, follows a coalition agreement naming Włodzimierz Czarzasty as his successor.

Hołownia said his main priority had been to ensure political stability and pledged to hand over his duties smoothly.

During his tenure, he worked to give all MPs equal rights, increased parliamentary transparency, and introduced public consultations on draft legislation. He acknowledged that some issues, including MP travel allowances and alcohol testing, remain unresolved.

Czarzasty, the oldest deputy speaker, will serve as acting speaker until a formal election is held at the next Sejm session.

Hołownia tipped for top UN refugee role, says Polish daily

According to the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, Hołownia is among the three main candidates for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Citing government sources, the newspaper reports that if he does not secure the role, no diplomatic post is planned for him, contrary to earlier speculation. In the past, there had been rumours that he might be appointed as an ambassador.

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@KancelariaSejmu/@rzeczpospolita