Today, in the Sejm, 1 of the most turbulent debates has been held in fresh months. The plenary was attended by erstwhile Prime Minister, president of Law and Justice Jarosław Kaczyński, and associate of the Civic Coalition Roman Gierty. The exchange of views between politicians rapidly evolved into an emotional confrontation, witnessed by all present parliamentarians and viewers following the transmission from the meeting.
Kaczyński’s speech, which straight attacked Gierty, became an inflammatory point.
– We have a sadist here in the main hall. – said, pointing his finger at MP KO.
These words provoked outrage in both opposition benches and PiS benches, where tension was besides felt.
Roman Gierty, not being indebted, replied:
– I was named a sadist by Mr Jarosław Kaczyński. Then, in a somewhat ironic tone, he added: – Jarek, sit down, calm down.
These words provoked another reaction from Kaczyński:
– I'm not with you by name, you rascal. “The president of PiS replied, seemingly agitated.
But the confusion did not end there. After a while, a fewer MPs and MPs of Law and Justice moved towards the platform where Kaczyński and Gierty were inactive located. The cry of “murderer!” went to MP KO, which warmed the atmosphere even more.
In view of the expanding chaos, Deputy talker of the Sejm Piotr Zgorzelski of the Polish People's organization decided to immediately announce a 10-minute break in the deliberations. This decision was intended to contain the situation and reconstruct order in the plenary.
Escalating Political Emotions
Wednesday events in the Sejm are further evidence of the strong emotions that accompany the current parliamentary term. Although political clashes are nothing fresh in Polish public life, the speech of the last confrontation raises serious concerns about the culture of parliamentary debate.
The coalition accuses the PiS of brutalizing the language of the debate, while PiS politicians claim they are provoked by the “arrogant and cynical” behaviour of representatives of the Civic Coalition.
Although the interruption of the gathering allowed for a momentary mastery of the situation, the political experts have no uncertainty – this incidental will leave a mark on the relations between the main groups in the Sejm and will likely affect the further conduct of political debate in Poland.
