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Szymon Hołownia prepares a political comeback, with two posts in play

Szymon Hołownia prepares a political comeback, with two posts in play

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Ongoing story
  • Former Sejm speaker Szymon Hołownia is reportedly being considered for a minister-without-portfolio role focused on information security, government communication and disinformation.
  • The proposed responsibilities could overlap with the work of government spokesman Adam Szłapka and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, prompting reservations within Civic Coalition.
  • Hołownia may also return to a senior role in Poland 2050 by taking over its parliamentary caucus, while prosecutors are considering charges linked to the Collegium Humanum investigation.

Szymon Hołownia could return to Poland’s government as a minister without portfolio, responsible for what has been described as “information security.” The proposed role would include improving Donald Tusk’s government communication and fighting disinformation.

The possibility is one of several scenarios reportedly being considered ahead of further government changes. Earlier speculation suggested Hołownia might replace Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, but taking over the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy now appears unlikely.

A Hołownia appointment would not come without overlap inside the government. Some of the proposed duties would intersect with the responsibilities of government spokesman Adam Szłapka and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski. The idea has also met resistance within Civic Coalition. One Civic Coalition lawmaker told Radio ZET that Hołownia, a former leader of Poland 2050, is not viewed favorably in the party.

“Not many people are fans, to put it diplomatically,” the lawmaker said. “Biejat and Hołownia worked day and night so that Nawrocki would win. It is a fairly common belief that Hołownia is someone who does not help. There is certainly no enthusiasm inside the party.” Another Civic Coalition politician said Hołownia should first decide what he wants in politics and that his possible appointment was not generating strong emotion. Lawmaker Witold Zembaczyński pointed to the unexpected turns in Hołownia’s political career.

A separate route back to influence could open within Poland 2050. Hołownia has said he would be ready to lead the party’s parliamentary caucus if its lawmakers chose him, potentially as early as the beginning of September. Current caucus leader Paweł Śliz has not ruled out that scenario. Hołownia’s position is also affected by the Collegium Humanum investigation. Earlier findings cited by TVN24 said prosecutors believed the evidence allowed them to bring charges against Hołownia and Michał Kobosko. Hołownia denies committing a crime.

Not many people are fans, to put it diplomatically. Biejat and Hołownia worked day and night so that Nawrocki would win. It is a fairly common belief that Hołownia is someone who does not help. There is certainly no enthusiasm inside the party.

— Unnamed Civic Coalition lawmakerThe lawmaker described internal resistance to Hołownia joining the government.
About this summary

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.