Senator of the 11th term.

Member of the Sejm X, I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII term.

He held the office of the Prime Minister twice (1992 and 1993–1995). In the years 2007–2012 he was the deputy prime minister and minister of economy. From 2010 to 2012 he sat on the National Security Council. In 2011, he managed the Polish presidency in the European Union at the councils for energy, trade and competitiveness. Since 1992, he has been the president of the Main Board of the Association of Volunteer Fire Brigades.

He was awarded, among others: the Grand Cross of the Commander's Order "For Merit for Lithuania", the Order of Saint Karol, the Norwegian Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, the Portuguese Cross of the Order of Merit.

He is currently the chairman of the Senate Committee on the National Economy and Innovation.