The “December 13 Coalition” government has once again revealed where Polish pensioners truly rank on its list of priorities. This year’s pension indexation represents the smallest increase in years, condemning the poorest seniors to an even tougher struggle for day-to-day survival. An increase of a mere 97.95 zł (around 22 USD) for those receiving the lowest pensions is a far cry from sufficient—particularly given the skyrocketing costs of food, energy, and medication.
The government had the option to implement a lump-sum indexation, which would have provided more substantial increases for those most in need—yet it consciously chose not to utilize this tool.
“It’s Not a Favor; It’s an Obligation”
Former Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy, Marlena Maląg, speaking with TV Republika, openly expressed her disappointment. According to Maląg, the government determined the minimum possible indexation strictly by the provisions of existing laws: covering the average annual inflation plus 20% of the average wage growth.
“This translates into a 5.5% increase in pensions and disability benefits in 2025. It’s not a favor; it’s an obligation stemming from the law. Yet looking at the conditions under which seniors live, it’s important to highlight that this is the smallest indexation in years,”
– Marlena Maląg, MEP (PiS) has stressed.
Despite having the full right and capability to choose a lump-sum mechanism—thereby ensuring more equitable increases for lower-income pensioners—the government opted for a uniform percentage-based approach. As a result, those with the smallest pensions will see only a symbolic rise, while better-off retirees stand to gain significantly more.
“The current situation for seniors is difficult, even though we have a minister dedicated to senior policy. Before elections, so much was promised, yet the reality turned out differently—no concrete solutions. With rising living costs, higher energy prices, and more expensive everyday products, seniors are growing poorer, and their wallets are emptier,”
– Marlena Maląg said.
Pensioners Not a Priority
Maląg emphasizes that under the Law and Justice (PiS) government, initiatives like the 14th pension provided tangible financial support for retirees. Today’s administration, however, seems limited to the bare minimum.
“The 14th pension could also have been higher. Legal provisions allowed for an increase, but in the end, it was paid at a minimal level. This is a return to the pre-2015 era, when indexations were merely symbolic. It’s a shame, because all the changes introduced by the Law and Justice government aimed to improve the standard of living for Poles. Every government should operate by that principle, not just issue empty promises.”
Things Will Only Get Worse
Does the current government even care about pensioners’ plight? The former minister has no doubts: it does not. The choice to stick with percentage-based indexation instead of switching to the more beneficial lump-sum model sends a clear message that the most vulnerable citizens are not a priority.
“Since they didn’t opt for lump-sum or mixed (kwotowo-procentowa) indexation this time—something we used multiple times to help retirees with the lowest incomes—there’s little reason to expect more favorable decisions in the future,”
– Marlena Maląg
So far, the government’s moves appear to be little more than a smokescreen—and a real test may come after the presidential election. If there was no space to help pensioners now, it is unlikely to appear later, once political pressure eases.
The choice of a uniform 5.5% indexation, the absence of a higher 14th pension, and the lack of any comprehensive support plan for seniors all indicate the same thing: Polish retirees—especially the poorest—cannot rely on this government.
“A single, uniform 5.5% increase means everyone gets the same percentage, regardless of how low or high their pension is. For those with the smallest pensions, this does next to nothing to improve their situation—in fact, their living conditions are likely to continue deteriorating,”
– Marlena Maląg, in an interview with tvrepublika.pl
Public Dissatisfaction Growing
An increasing number of Poles recognize the dangerous direction the government is taking. A recent poll shows that the public believes life was better under Mateusz Morawiecki’s leadership, translating into declining approval ratings for the current administration—and not without cause.
“Data indicates that people in Poland are worse off now. These are uncertain times, and the government does not provide a sense of care for its citizens. A responsible administration should look after seniors, to whom we all owe so much. Unfortunately, the reality is that their financial standing keeps deteriorating, and their standard of living is falling,”
– the former minister concludes
The “December 13 Coalition” had a chance to prove its commitment to Poland’s senior citizens—but that opportunity has been wasted. For many pensioners, the impact is already evident in their daily struggles, and the consequences of these decisions will not be quickly forgotten.