National Assembly of Poland - Definition and Overview

The National Assembly (Zgromadzanie Narodowe) is the name of both chambers of the Polish parliament, the Diet (Sejm) and the Senate, when sitting in joint session. It is headed by the Speaker of the Diet, or by the Speaker of the Senate if the former is absent.

In the years 1922-1935 and 1989-1990 it was the National Assembly who elected the President of the Republic of Poland by an absolute majority of votes. In 1935 it was replaced by an Assembly of Electors, which consisted of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the General Armed Forces Inspector, 2/3 of deputies to the Diet, and 1/3 of senators. The Senate was abolished in 1946 so in 1947 Bolesław Bierut was elected President only by the Diet. There were no presidents from 1952 till 1989 when the Senate was restored and the National Assembly elected Wojciech Jaruzelski as President.

Since 1990, President has been elected in universal ballot. However, President is still sworn in before the National Assembly, which is also the only organ which can declare President’s permanent incapacity to perform his duties, or bring an indictment against him before the Tribunal of State.

See also

• Politics in Poland