Szpytma, who now serves as the institute’s deputy head, received 226 votes in favor, while 194 lawmakers voted against him and four abstained.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said senators from the ruling coalition would not support Szpytma’s candidacy, casting doubt on whether he will take office.
Szpytma has worked at the IPN since 2000 and became deputy head of the institute a decade ago.
The IPN is a state institution responsible for investigating Nazi and communist-era crimes, preserving historical archives and overseeing public education on Poland’s 20th-century history.
Its leadership has often been politically contested because of the institute’s role in debates over national memory and historical policy.
(pu/gs)
Source: PAP