LoginGet started

Sejm. Nowe otwarcie z marszałkiem Szymonem Hołownią odc. 1

Sejm RP・2 minutes read

The Sejm, established in 1928, has made significant advancements in accessibility and technology to enhance the legislative process, including modern voting systems and improved acoustics, while also maintaining historical elements like the presidential table and the speaker's cane. Future plans aim to increase public engagement by inviting citizens to explore more areas of the Sejm, fostering transparency and a sense of ownership among the public.

Insights

  • The Sejm has made significant strides in accessibility for people with disabilities since 2010, implementing features like a lower rostrum and specialized voting systems, which empower disabled MPs to actively participate in the legislative process, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in governance.
  • The architectural design of the Sejm hall, inspired by the Roman pantheon, not only enhances its aesthetic appeal through features like "entasis" columns but also highlights the ongoing challenge of acoustics within the space, where high noise levels continue to complicate communication among MPs during sessions.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the Sejm in Poland?

    The Sejm is the lower house of Poland's parliament, responsible for legislative functions. It plays a crucial role in shaping laws and policies, representing the interests of the Polish people. Established in its current form after World War II, the Sejm operates within a complex that includes various facilities for members of parliament (MPs) to conduct their duties effectively. The Sejm's historical significance and architectural beauty reflect Poland's legislative heritage, while its modern adaptations aim to enhance accessibility and transparency for citizens.

  • How does the voting system work in the Sejm?

    The voting system in the Sejm is designed to ensure that all members can participate effectively, regardless of their physical abilities. It includes specialized voting systems for both left-handed and right-handed marshals, allowing for a smooth voting process. MPs use parliamentary ID cards to activate the voting system, which has been adapted to accommodate members with disabilities. The system is complemented by a time display and sound signals to manage the voting process efficiently, ensuring that all voices are heard and counted during legislative sessions.

  • What facilities are available for disabled MPs in the Sejm?

    The Sejm has made significant strides in accessibility for disabled MPs since 2010. Facilities include a lower rostrum and a dedicated lectern that allows disabled members to express their votes using a parliamentary ID card. This inclusive approach ensures that all MPs can participate fully in the legislative process, reflecting a commitment to equal representation. The adaptations not only enhance the voting experience for disabled members but also promote a more diverse and inclusive parliamentary environment.

  • What is the role of the stenography department in the Sejm?

    The stenography department in the Sejm plays a vital role in documenting the proceedings of parliamentary sessions. It records every meeting in shorthand and provides transcripts the following day, capturing the atmosphere of discussions, including shouts and applause. With modern technology replacing traditional methods, the department now supervises automated transcription systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This transparency allows the public to access the legislative process, fostering accountability and engagement with the democratic system.

  • How does the Sejm ensure health and safety during sessions?

    The Sejm prioritizes the health and safety of its members by having a doctor and paramedic present during sessions. This medical support reflects the importance of maintaining a safe environment for MPs as they engage in legislative activities. The presence of healthcare professionals ensures that any medical emergencies can be addressed promptly, allowing for a focus on the legislative process without concerns about health risks. This commitment to safety underscores the Sejm's responsibility to its members and the overall functioning of the parliament.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Sejm Hall: History Design and Modernization

  • The Sejm meeting room, established in 1928, originally featured "yes" and "no" inscriptions above the doors for physical vote counting, which has since been removed to avoid misinterpretations regarding the president's stance on bills.
  • The Sejm complex has been accessible for people with disabilities since 2010, including a lower rostrum and a dedicated lectern for disabled MPs to express their votes using a parliamentary ID card that activates a voting system.
  • The architectural design of the Sejm hall, inspired by the Roman pantheon, includes columns with an "entasis" feature, which creates an optical illusion of uniformity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space.
  • The presidential table, constructed in 1947, has been in continuous use since before World War II, and a curtain is installed to ensure the president's privacy during sessions, with no automated mechanism for concealment.
  • A doctor and paramedic are present during Sejm sessions to ensure the health and safety of MPs, reflecting the importance of medical support in the legislative environment.
  • The stenography department records every meeting in shorthand, providing transcripts the following day that capture the atmosphere of the room, including shouts and applause, making them accessible to the public.
  • Modern technology has replaced traditional shorthand methods in the stenography department, with employees now supervising automated transcription systems rather than manually recording proceedings.
  • The podium features a time display for speakers, and a light indicating when time is running out, emphasizing the importance of time management during debates.
  • The main table for the Speaker includes controls for managing microphones and overseeing the session, with retractable microphones that can be challenging to operate, highlighting the technical complexities of the legislative process.
  • The Sejm hall's acoustics have been improved through various renovations, but the noise level remains high, making it difficult for MPs to hear each other, which has been a long-standing issue in the chamber.

13:37

Parliamentary Innovations for Accessibility and Engagement

  • A sound signal alerts Members of Parliament (MPs) 30 seconds before a session begins, followed by a melody that indicates the session is approaching, serving as a reminder of the time constraints during discussions.
  • The speaker has access to screens displaying the current MP speaking, voting results, and a list of registered speakers for formal motions, questions, and statements, which helps in managing the parliamentary process effectively.
  • Voting systems are available for both left-handed and right-handed marshals, ensuring accessibility; the marshal's cane symbolizes the power and dignity of the Speaker of the Sejm, with historical roots dating back to the First Polish Republic.
  • During sessions, a marshal must always be present in the chair, which is on wheels for easy movement, and the meeting is typically led by the marshal, with deputy marshals rotating every two hours to assist in managing proceedings.
  • The Dark Drawing Room serves as a consultation space for MPs, equipped with basic refreshments like water, juices, and coffee, and features a government telephone for private calls, emphasizing the need for quick discussions and decision-making.
  • The Sejm building is described as historic and beautiful but can pose challenges for office work; the speaker expresses a desire to make the Sejm more accessible and welcoming to the public, encouraging a sense of ownership among citizens.
  • Future plans include inviting the public to explore other areas of the Sejm, such as the Parliamentary Library and gardens, highlighting the importance of transparency and connection between the parliament and the citizens it serves.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.