Due to the fact that parliamentary elections took place on October 13, the first sessions of the Sejm of the IX term and the Senate of the X term will be held on November 12.
The first sessions of the Sejm and the Senate are being scheduled by the President for the 30th day after the elections. Poles voted on Sunday, October 13 - thus, the inaugural sessions must be held until November 12 at the latest.
During the inaugural sessions, representatives and senators will take oaths, Marshals of both houses will be appointed, and traditionally, the President may give an address.
In case of of the lower house, the session will be commenced by the Senior Marshal chosen by the President from among the oldest parliamentarians; the chosen MP doesn't have to be the oldest one. Senior Marshal conducts the oath ceremony. The Sejm regulations state that after reading out the oath, each of the MPs says "I pledge"; its optional to add the sentence: "so help me God".
The Senior Marshal also conducts the appointment of the Marshal of the Sejm. Candidates can be put forward by at least 15 MPs. After being appointed, the Marshal takes over, and the Sejm decides upon the number of Deputy Marshals.
During the first session of the Sejm, the Prime Minister submits his cabinet dismissal. The President then designates the new PM and appoints his or hers cabinet within 14 days from the first Sejm session. Within 14 days from the day of appointment, the PM presents the government's programme and asks for a vote of confidence. The vote of confidence can be granted by an absolute majority of MPs, in the presence of at least half of all representatives (absolute majority out of at least 230 MPs).
According to the law, the Tribunal of State is nominated at the first session of the Sejm, for the duration of its term.
Also on November 12 at the latest, the first session of the Senate must be held. The session is opened either by the President, or by the oldest senator - Senior Marshal.
The Senior Marshal conducts the oath ceremony, during which all senators must say "I pledge", and may add: "so help me God". The Senior Marshal then carries out the appointment of the Marshal of the Senate, and after taking over, the latter proceeds the appointment of Deputy Marshals.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: tvn24