Polish Senate rejects Mateusz Szpytma's appointment as IPN president

On 6 August 2026 the Polish Senate voted against confirming Dr Mateusz Szpytma as president of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN). The vote tally was 38 in favour, 50 against and one abstention, meaning the nomination approved by the Sejm on 17 July must be restarted.

The opposition came from the Civic Coalition (KO) and the Left, whose clubs together control a majority of Senate seats. Supporters included the Law and Justice party (PiS), Confederation and the Polish People’s Party (PSL). PSL deputy Marek Sawicki called the Senate’s decision a “mistake” by the KO, accusing it of misunderstanding the IPN appointment procedure, which is proposed by the Institute’s Collegium rather than by a parliamentary majority. KO leader Donald Tusk and former justice minister Adam Bodnar also voiced opposition, citing concerns over past financial irregularities at the Institute.

The rejection triggers a new round of candidate selection, with the IPN Collegium expected to propose another nominee for Senate approval.