On 18 November 2025, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland elected Włodzimierz Czarzasty, leader of the New Left, as the new Marshal of the lower chamber of parliament. The election, consistent with the 2023 coalition agreement, ends the term of Szymon Hołownia and has triggered a wave of controversy. On the platform X, accusations of a return of communism dominate, including a viral film by Sławomir Mentzen of the Confederation, which satirically portrays Czarzasty in a Soviet uniform against the backdrop of the USSR anthem. The opposition is protesting, and the coalition is defending the decision. We analyse his profile, achievements and the latest reactions.
Włodzimierz Czarzasty's past: From the PZPR to the leader of the left
Born on 3 May 1960 in Warsaw, Włodzimierz Czarzasty graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science at the University of Warsaw in 1988. From 1983 to 1990 he was a member of the Polish United Workers’ Party (PZPR), which today is the source of the greatest controversy. As Sławomir Mentzen stresses in his film, Czarzasty never renounced his communist past, praising the Red Army and General Jaruzelski. After the systemic transformation he moved into business, managing media and publishing companies, which built his negotiating skills.
He returned to politics in 2016 as chairman of the SLD, and since 2021 he has been co-chairman of the New Left. From 2008 to 2016 he was a member of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), where he gained a reputation as a tough regulator. As an MP since 2019 and deputy Marshal, Czarzasty played a key role in rebuilding the left after the defeat of 2015. Privately, he is a breeder of exotic birds, a husband and father of two children, known for his uncompromising style.
Achievements: Rebuilding the left and its role in the coalition
Czarzasty is the architect of the left’s return to the Sejm in 2019 after the 2015 disaster. In 2023 he brought the Left into the coalition with KO, the Third Way and the PSL, enabling the implementation of demands such as pay rises for teachers, media reform and support for women’s and minority rights. As deputy Marshal he backed key laws, and his negotiations kept the coalition united despite disputes. Critics point to ties with the People’s Republic of Poland, but supporters praise his experience in fighting for progressive change.
Political reactions: Storm on X, Mentzen's satirical film and opposition protests
Czarzasty’s election triggered an avalanche of comments on X. The coalition is celebrating: KO and Left MPs stress loyalty to the agreement and momentum for reforms. However, the opposition erupted – PiS MPs left the chamber, chanting “down with communism”, and Mateusz Morawiecki called it “the return of communism to the heart of Polish democracy”. The Confederation voted against, calling the election “a shame and a disgrace”.
The ruling coalition appointed as Marshal
@KancelariaSejmu Włodzimierz Czarzasty – a PZPR apparatchik, a satellite party of the Soviet communist party. What a fall!
This is the return of communism to the heart of Polish democracy and the readmission of post-communists to the most important state functions!
Right in the middle of martial law, Włodzimierz Czarzasty joined the PZPR and faithfully served the totalitarian system that persecuted Polish patriots and kept us in the Eastern Bloc.
Right in the middle of the hybrid war with Putin’s Russia, the most important posts in the state are being taken by people who collaborated with communist Russia to the detriment of an independent Poland! This is not only immoral – it is dangerous!
We will fight for a safe Poland free of relics of the PRL! – Mateusz Morawiecki on the X platform
🟥Rządząca koalicja powołała na marszałka @KancelariaSejmu Włodzimierza Czarzastego – aparatczyka PZPR, partii satelickiej wobec radzieckiej partii komunistycznej. Co za upadek!
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) November 18, 2025
🟥To powrót komuny do serca polskiej demokracji i ponownej dopuszczenie postkomunistów do… pic.twitter.com/Xm95SLrOLI
Sławomir Mentzen published a satirical film generated by artificial intelligence (AI), in which Czarzasty is shown in a Soviet uniform, saluting against a backdrop of USSR flags and the Soviet anthem, with the ironic caption “Congratulations to Poland on its new Marshal!”. He posted the film with the comment “Down with communism!”. The film garnered thousands of views, fueling the debate about Czarzasty’s communist past. President Nawrocki announced vigilance toward the Sejm’s decision, suggesting conflicts. Commentators such as Anna Bryłka of the Confederation speak of a “triumph of post-communism”, and on X slogans about a “return of the PRL” dominate. Nevertheless, the election passed with 236 votes in favour, showing the coalition’s strength.
Precz z komuną! pic.twitter.com/SsFB0hIBfi
— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) November 18, 2025
What next? Controversy and the future of reforms
With Czarzasty as Marshal, the Sejm is entering a new phase – more decisive towards the opposition and the president. The coalition hopes to speed up reforms, such as judicial reform or green energy, and the new Marshal has announced that he will not remove the cross from the debating chamber. However, accusations of communism and tensions with the right point to stormy sittings. Debates on X suggest this is only the beginning – will Czarzasty’s past become a burden or an asset?
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