Ryszard Petru has announced that he intends to run for chairman of Poland 2050 following Szymon Hołownia’s resignation. His video sparked a storm online—out of 1,700 reactions gathered in just three hours, as many as 1,100 were mocking responses.
MP Ryszard Petru decided not to stand aside at a time when Poland 2050 is searching for a new leader. In a video posted on social media, the former head of Nowoczesna argued that the party “needs a fresh start” and that he knows how to bring it about. “Lost opportunities can be regained, and I know how to do it. Let’s return to the roots of our success,” Petru said, calling for a focus on economic development, a reasonable energy transition, and social policy.
Petru’s decision to enter the internal elections follows the latest changes at the top of Poland 2050. Szymon Hołownia, who under the coalition agreement is to serve as Speaker of the Sejm until November 13, 2025, announced on Saturday that he will not seek the position of deputy prime minister in Donald Tusk’s government. Moreover, he stepped down from running in the January elections for party leader. Hołownia stated that he intends to run for the post of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Reactions—Mostly Critical
The reaction of social media users to Petru’s candidacy was swift and merciless. In just three hours, the video collected 1,700 reactions, of which 1,100 were laugh and ridicule emojis. Online comments leave little doubt.
“Have the debts from Nowoczesna been paid off…?” asked one user, referring to the financial troubles of Petru’s former party. “We’re waiting for the comedy show to return,” mocked another, recalling the politician’s notorious blunders, including his famous Madeira holiday. “Which party is this now???? I’m losing track,” commented yet another, pointing to Petru’s political wanderings. There were also jabs at controversial figures in his circle: “With such wonderful ladies in the background, you have a chance to repeat Nowoczesna’s ‘success.’”
There were also blunt voices suggesting that Petru’s political time is over: “You have to know when to leave the stage.”
Can the former leader of Nowoczesna—a party that ultimately merged with Civic Platform—restore “the old shine” to Poland 2050? Online voters express deep skepticism. The question remains how rank-and-file members of the party will respond to Petru’s candidacy and whether others will step forward to take the helm after Szymon Hołownia.