Poll finds 53.2% of Poles oppose Szymon Hołownia joining Donald Tusk's cabinet

Survey results

A nationwide survey conducted by SW Research for rp.pl between 2 and 3 September 2026 shows clear public resistance to Szymon Hołownia entering Donald Tusk's government. Among 800 adult internet users surveyed, 53.2% opposed Hołownia joining the Council of Ministers, while 23.6% supported his inclusion and 23.2% held no opinion. Opposition also led among female respondents, where 49.7% voiced opposition, 23.2% supported the move, and 27.1% had no opinion.

Support varied noticeably across different types of Polish municipalities. According to SW Research president Przemysław Wesołowski, the highest support for Hołownia's cabinet entry occurred in cities with more than 500,000 residents at 28%. In contrast, the lowest support appeared in medium-sized cities with populations between 20,000 and 99,000, where backing fell to 18%. The overall negative responses outnumbered positive responses by more than two to one across the country.

Proposed cabinet role

The polling follows political discussions regarding a potential government reshuffle in September. Media reports indicated that Hołownia could potentially serve as deputy prime minister, minister without portfolio, or replace Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. Radio Zet reported that Hołownia could oversee information security, focusing on government communication and combating disinformation. That portfolio would intersect with areas currently managed by government spokesperson Adam Szłapka and Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, the minister of digital affairs.

Hołownia confirmed meeting with Donald Tusk three weeks ago to discuss coalition strategy and information security, though he stated that no formal offer had been extended. Speaking to broadcasters TVN24 and RMF FM, Hołownia noted that preliminary exploratory talks had taken place. He stated that his communication skills could be useful one year before parliamentary elections to promote public pride, while emphasizing that he was not actively seeking a post after having already served as Marshal of the Sejm.

There was no such proposal, there were no talks about it, there are a lot of rumors, there is a lot of gossip. Of course, if there is such a political will of both coalition partners and my group, and finally mine, I am open to various proposals.

Party division and coalition dynamics

Hołownia currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Sejm after relinquishing the Speaker post to Włodzimierz Czarzasty under a coalition rotation agreement. Earlier attempts to secure an international post, including United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or an ambassadorial assignment, ended without success. Furthermore, Hołownia ceded leadership of Polska 2050 to Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. The transition generated internal division within Polska 2050, culminating in Minister of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska leading a group of lawmakers to establish the separate Centrum club.

Reports indicate Hołownia could assume leadership of the remaining Polska 2050 parliamentary group from incumbent head Paweł Śliz. Such a move or a cabinet appointment would directly affect Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, who does not hold a parliamentary seat and has advocated a more assertive stance toward Civic Coalition. When questioned about his position, Śliz indicated he would not resist stepping down if required.

I am not welded to the chair. If there is such a necessity, I am able to make such a decision and resign. This decision will be considered for the good of the club, the party, and for the good of Poland.