Polish Sejm rejects proposal to abolish local government term limits

Sejm Polish People's Party term limits local government Electoral Code

The Polish Sejm has rejected a legislative proposal by the Polish People's Party (PSL) to abolish the two-term limit for mayors, village heads (wójtów), and city presidents. The amendment to the Electoral Code failed by a narrow margin of two votes, with 213 members voting in favor, 215 against, and 9 abstaining.

The current law, introduced in 2018, restricts local executives to a maximum of two five-year terms. If the regulations remain unchanged, many current local leaders—including the president of Bielsko-Biała and the mayor of Płock—will be ineligible to run for reelection in 2029.

The vote revealed significant divisions within the governing coalition. While PSL members supported the change, members of other coalition parties, including Koalicja Obywatelska and Lewica, split their votes or opposed the measure. In response to the defeat, PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested that the party might propose similar term limits for members of Parliament and senators.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that he does not see an issue with returning to the project as soon as possible to attempt another vote.

Entities

Adam Struzik · Donald Tusk · Poland · Polish People's Party · Sejm · Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The vote for the amendment resulted in 213 votes in favor, 215 against, and 9 abstentions. wiadomosci.gazeta.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The PSL proposed that if local term limits remain, similar limits should apply to MPs and senators.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Adam Struzik stated that the two-term limit is 'absolutely inconsistent with the Constitution'.
[● 3 SOURCES] The current two-term limit for local executive bodies was introduced in 2018. wiadomosci.gazeta.pl
[● 3 SOURCES] The proposed amendment aimed to abolish the two-term limit for mayors, village heads, and city presidents. wiadomosci.gazeta.pl
[● 3 SOURCES] The amendment also proposed allowing local executive candidates to run for county and voivodeship council seats. wiadomosci.gazeta.pl
[● 2 SOURCES] The Sejm rejected the amendment to the Electoral Code on Thursday, October 22. wiadomosci.gazeta.pl