On November 18, 2025, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland elected Vladimir Czarzasty, leader of the New Left, as the new marshal of the lower parliament chamber. This choice, in line with the coalition agreement of 2023, ends the term of Simon Holownia and creates a wave of controversy. The X platform is dominated by accusations of the return of communism, including the viral film Sławomir Mentzen from the Confederacy, which satirically portrays the Black in the Soviet uniform against the Soviet anthem. The opposition protest and the coalition defends the decision. We analyze the shape, achievements and latest reactions.
The past of Włodzimierz Czarzasty: From PZPR to left-wing leader
Born May 3, 1960 in Warsaw, Włodzimierz Czarzasty graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Political Sciences 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 emphasizes in his film, Czarzasty never gave up his communist past, praising the Red Army and General Jaruzelski. After the systemic transformation, he went to business, managing media and publishing companies, which built his negotiating skills.
In politics he returned in 2016 as chairman of the SLD, and since 2021 he has been co-chairing the New Left. From 2008 to 2016, he was a member of the National Broadcasting Council, where he gained a reputation as a hard regulator. As an MP since 2019 and Deputy Marshal, Czarzasty played a key role in rebuilding the left after the defeat in 2015. Privately – an exotic bird breeder, husband and father of two children, known for their uncompromising style.
Achievements: rebuilding the left and role in the coalition
Czarzasty is an architect of the return of the left to the Sejm in 2019 after the 2015 disaster. In 2023, he introduced the Left into the coalition with KO, the Third Road and the PSL, enabling the implementation of demands such as increases for teachers, media reform, or support for women's and minorities' rights. As Deputy Marshal, he supported key laws and his negotiations maintained the unity of the coalition despite disputes. Critics point to ties to the PRL, but supporters praise the experience in fighting for progressive changes.
Political Reactions: Storm on X, Mentzen's satirical film and opposition protests
The choice of the Black One triggered an avalanche of comments on the X. The coalition celebrates: Members of the KO and the Left emphasise loyalty to the agreement and the impetus for reforms. However, the opposition exploded – PiS MPs left the room chanting "out of the commune", and Mateusz Morawiecki called it "the return of the commune to the heart of Polish democracy". The Confederacy voted against, calling the election "a shame and shame".
The governing coalition has appointed a marshal
@CancerariaSeym Vladimir Czarzaste – a PZPR apparatusist, a satellite party towards the Soviet communist party. What a fall!
It is the return of the commune to the heart of Polish democracy and the reintroduction of post-communists to the most important state functions!
In the midst of the martial law, Vladimir Czarzasty joined the PZPR and faithfully served a totalitarian system that persecuted Polish patriots and kept us in the eastern bloc.
In the midst of the hybrid war with Russia Putin, the most important positions in the country include people who collaborated with communist Russia to the detriment of independent Poland! It's not just immoral – it's dangerous!
We will fight for a safe Poland free of PRLu relics! – Mateusz Morawiecki on the X portal
🟥The ruling coalition appointed a marshal @CancerariaSeym Vladimir Czarzaste – a PZPR apparatusist, a satellite party towards the Soviet communist party. What a fall!
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) November 18, 2025
🟥It is the return of the commune to the heart of Polish democracy and the reintroduction of post-communists to... pic.twitter.com/Xm95SLROLI
Sławomir Mentzen published a satirical film generated by a hundredth of intelligence (AI), in which Czarzasty is depicted in Soviet uniform, saluting against the flags of the USSR and the Soviet anthem, with the ironic inscription "Congratulations to Poland of the new Marshal!". The post with the film was published together with the comment "Get out of the commune!". The film gained thousands of views, fueling the debate about the communist past of Black. President Nawrocki announced vigilance towards the Sejm's decision, suggesting conflicts. Commentators like Anna Bryłka from the Confederacy talk about the "triumph of post-communism", and on X dominate the slogans about "return of the PRL". Nevertheless, the election went through 236 votes in favour, showing the strength of the coalition.
Down with the commune! pic.twitter.com/SsFB0hIBfi
— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) November 18, 2025
What's next? Controversy and the Future of Reforms
Z Black as Marshal of the Sejm enters a new phase – more determined against the opposition and the president. The coalition hopes to accelerate reforms, such as reform of the judiciary or green energy, and the new marshal announced that it would not remove the cross from the sitting room. However, accusations of communism and tensions with the right announce stormy sittings. Debates on X suggest that this is only the beginning – whether the past of the Black One will become a ballast or an asset?
