Marshal of the Sejm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland |
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Pommel of the Marshal's staff
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| Presidum of the Sejm | |
| Style | His/Her Excellency/Mr. Marshal |
| Appointer | The Sejm |
| Inaugural holder | Jan Sierakowski |
| Formation | 31 October 1548 |
| Succession | First |
| Deputy | Vice-Marshals |
| Website | Marshal of the Sejm |
The Marshal of the Sejm (Polish: Marszałek Sejmu) is like the main leader or "speaker" of the Sejm. The Sejm is the lower house of the Polish Parliament. Think of it as the main person in charge of meetings and discussions in one part of Poland's government.
This important job has been around for a very long time, since the 15th century. In modern Poland, the full name for this role is the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland (Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej).
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History of the Marshal's Role
The role of the Marshal has changed over time in Poland's history. It has always been about leading important meetings.
Marshals in Old Poland
In the past, during the time of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, there were also "Sejmik Marshals." A Sejmik was a local assembly, like a smaller parliament for a region.
From 1861, in a region called the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, the person leading the local parliament was called the "Province Marshal" (Marszałek krajowy). This parliament met in a city called Lwów.
Between 1916 and 1918, during a period known as the Kingdom of Poland, the leader of the State Council was called the "Marshal of the State Council" (Marszałek Rady Stanu).
Marshals in the Second Polish Republic
In the Second Polish Republic (from 1918 to 1939), the people elected to the Sejm chose one of their own to be the Marshal. This person would lead the Sejm for their whole term.
Until 1935, the Marshal of the Sejm had another very important job. If the President of Poland was not able to do their job, the Marshal would step in as the acting president.
The Modern Marshal of the Sejm
Today, the Marshal of the Sejm has many important duties. They lead the main groups within the Sejm.
What the Marshal Does Today
The Marshal of the Sejm is the head of the Presidium of the Sejm (Prezydium Sejmu). They also lead the Convention of Seniors (Konwent Seniorów). These are important groups that help the Sejm work smoothly.
The Marshal makes sure that the Sejm's meetings run correctly. They also call and lead the meetings of the Convention of Seniors and the Presidium of the Sejm. The Marshal also chooses the Chief of the Chambers for both the Sejm and the Senate.
Since 1989, the Marshal of the Sejm has another very important role. If the President of Poland's job becomes empty for any reason, the Marshal steps in as the acting president until a new one is chosen.
Deputy Marshal of the Sejm
The Marshal of the Sejm has a helper called the Deputy Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland. This person is also an elected representative. They help the Marshal with their duties.
How the Marshal is Chosen
The Marshal of the Sejm is chosen by a vote among all the members of the Sejm. Here is an example of a recent vote:
| Election of the Marshal of the Sejm | |||
| Vote → | 13 November 2023 | ||
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| Required majority → | 231 out of 460 | ||
| Szymon Hołownia (PL2050) |
265 / 460
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| Elżbieta Witek (PiS) |
193 / 460
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| Absentees/Invalid Ballot |
2 / 460
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List of Marshals
See also
In Spanish: Mariscal del Sejm para niños
