Opposition politicians reacted sharply to the government’s plans regarding the so-called social security system for artists. “If an artist is unable to earn enough to pay their own contributions, they should get another job and pursue their passions and hobbies after work,” said Dariusz Matecki of Law and Justice.
On Thursday, the Sejm began the first reading of the government’s draft bill on social security for people working in artistic professions. The proposal has sparked considerable controversy and public opposition. But Minister Marta Cienkowska is standing by her position.
“This is not about financing careers, but about continuity of insurance coverage; that is the essence of the bill on social security for artists,” said the head of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. She stressed that the law “will not support the wealthiest artists.”
The opposition takes a different view, as Dariusz Matecki of Law and Justice argued.
“You are in power today, so my question to you is this: why are you not subsidising cultural institutions such as philharmonic halls and theatres, so that the people employed there can have decent employment contracts?”
Matecki asked.
“Now the question is: will a footballer who is not good at playing football earn money? No, he will not. And should the state also subsidise his contributions? If an artist is unable to earn enough to pay their own contributions, they should get another job and pursue their passions and hobbies after work,”
the Law and Justice MP said.
Matecki also referred to his own creative work produced with the help of artificial intelligence.
“Madam Minister, my songs are often listened to by one or two million people. A song posted today, titled The trough elite, about your actions in the healthcare system, has already reached 200,000 views today, in just a few hours. Will your party functionary recognise me as an artist? I support rejecting the bill on pension subsidies for so-called artists at its first reading,”
he concluded.