Warsaw, 19 November 2025 – Just a day after taking the Marshal of the Sejm’s chair, Włodzimierz Czarzasty is wasting no time. On Wednesday he signed two controversial orders that are already electrifying Polish politics: a total ban on alcohol sales within the Sejm premises (from 24 November) and a revolution in how MPs’ mileage claims are settled (from 1 January 2026). „We must set an example for society” – explains the leader of the Left.
Alcohol out – the Sejm goes on detox
During a press conference at the Sejm, Czarzasty read out and signed Order No. 7 in front of journalists:
“The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in buildings and on premises managed by the Chancellery of the Sejm”.
The ban covers restaurants, bars and parliamentary kiosks. It will take effect as early as next Monday – 24 November 2025. Why not immediately?
– We need to clear the restaurant’s stock and change all the menu entries – the Marshal explained.
Czarzasty stresses the symbolic dimension of the decision:
“It’s hard to urge Poles to ban alcohol sales at petrol stations or at night if we ourselves drink beer after sittings in the Sejm. As a state institution, we must set an example”.
This is not the first time the Left has fought alcohol – the party has two bills limiting its availability across the country gathering dust in a parliamentary drawer.
Mileage claims under the microscope – an end to „mysterious trips”
The second bombshell concerns changes to the travel flat-rate allowance. Currently, each MP can „drive” up to tens of thousands of zloty a month without detailed invoices – a declaration is enough.
Czarzasty announces the end of this freedom:
- From 1 January 2026, new, more transparent rules.
- A special team will be set up with representatives of all clubs and circles.
- After consultations, the order will be signed – the decision is final.
“I don’t suspect anyone of abuse, but society has the right to know where public money goes. Over 3,000 zloty a month on mileage and questions about where those kilometres went? This must end” – says the Marshal.
Controversy over mileage claims erupts regularly – record holders „commute” from Warsaw to Warsaw, and MP couples can together collect over 80,000 zloty a year.
New Marshal, new order
Czarzasty replaced Szymon Hołownia in line with the coalition agreement. Yesterday he was elected with 236 votes (amid shouts of „down with the commune!” from the Law and Justice (PiS) benches). Already today he is showing that he will not be a Marshal „at half throttle”.
Besides alcohol and mileage claims, he also presented the new composition of the Chancellery of the Sejm:
- Head of the Chancellery: Marek Siwiec (a return after many years, former associate of Aleksander Kwaśniewski)
- Director of the Marshal’s office: Bartosz Machalica
On Friday, Czarzasty will deliver an address – he promises further changes.
Reactions? From enthusiasm to memes
Online, the frenzy has already begun:
- „Finally someone is going to clean up this mess!”
- „What about bringing alcohol in briefcases? 😏”
- „Czarzasty, Marshal of the day – zero tolerance for %”
Is this the beginning of a real revolution in the Sejm, or just a PR stunt? One thing is certain – Włodzimierz Czarzasty does not intend to be a background Marshal. The Sejm is entering an era of sobriety and transparency. Stay tuned!
What do you think of these decisions? Let us know in the comments! 🚫🍺🚗💸
