Grzegorz Napieralski
| Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sejm member | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office June 24, 2004 | |
| 5th Chairman of the Democratic Left Alliance | |
| In office May 31, 2008 – December 10, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Wojciech Olejniczak |
| Succeeded by | Leszek Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 18, 1974 Szczecin, People's Republic of Poland |
| Political party | Democratic Left Alliance |
| Spouse(s) | Małgorzata Napieralska |
| Alma mater | University of Szczecin |
| Profession | Political scientist |
| Religion | none |
Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski (pronounced [ˈɡʐɛɡɔʂ napjɛˈralski]; born March 18, 1974 in Szczecin) is a Polish left-wing politician, former chairman of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and an MP (member of the Sejm).
Education and political career
After graduating from mechanics school in Szczecin, Napieralski studied Political Science at the University of Szczecin, obtaining his master's degree in 2000. From 1995 to 1999 he was the secretary of Szczecin division of Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland, which later became the Democratic Left Alliance. In 2002 he became the aide to the Voivode in West Pomeranian Voivodeship. In 2004, he was elected to Sejm, taking place of Bogusław Liberadzki, who became a member of the European Parliament. Napieralski was subsequently elected again in 2005, 2007 and 2011.
In 2004 Napieralski become the vice-chairman of the SLD and a year later its secretary general. On May 31, 2008 he was chosen the new chairman of the Democratic Left Alliance, defeating Wojciech Olejniczak. From 2009 to 2011 he was also a chairman of the Lewica parliamentary fraction.
On April 22, 2010 the Democratic Left Alliance chose Napieralski to replace Jerzy Szmajdziński, who had died in a plane crash, as its candidate in the upcoming presidential election.[1] Napieralski finished third, receiving 13.68% of the votes, and did not advance to the second round of the election.
On December 10, 2011, in wake of what was perceived to be his party's electoral failure, he was succeeded by Leszek Miller as the party chairman.
Political positions
Napieralski calls for withdrawing Polish troops from Afghanistan as quickly as possible. He also supports more progressive taxation. He is in favor of liberalizing the abortion law in Poland and of government reimbursement of in vitro fertilization and contraception. He supports same sex civil unions, although he opposes adoption of children by such pairs. He is a supporter of separation of church and state and criticizes the Catholic Church's privileged position in Poland.
Personal life
He is married to Małgorzata Napieralska (née Juras) and has two daughters, Alicja and Aleksandra. [2]
See also
- Members of Polish Sejm 2005-2007
References
- ↑ "Napieralski to stand as Left candidate". thenews.pl. 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
- ↑ "Official page" (in Polish). Retrieved April 30, 2010.
External links
- Official site
- Grzegorz Napieralski - parliamentary page - includes declarations of interest, voting record, and transcripts of speeches.
- Gazeta Wyborcza on Napieralski during President Obama's visit to Poland - the largest national daily comments on the odd behaviour of the leader of a third largest political party during an official state visit of a foreign head of state.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Wojciech Olejniczak |
Chairman of the Democratic Left Alliance 2008-2011 |
Succeeded by Leszek Miller |
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