In March 1956, when Edward Ochab became the party's first secretary, Gierek became a secretary of the Central Committee, even though he publicly expressed doubts about his own qualifications.
Di bulan Maret 1956, ketika Edward Ochab menjabat sebagai Sekretaris Pertama Partai, Gierek menjadi sekretaris Komite Sentral, walau ia sendiri mengungkapkan keraguannya mengenai kompetensi dirinya.