Mateusz Morawiecki, the Prime Minister of Poland, has strongly refuted allegations that the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) has plunged the country into a budgetary disaster.
“The ‘budgetary catastrophe’ of PiS means an increase in budget revenues by over 100 percent, and this with the reduction of virtually all the most important taxes,”
Morawiecki responded to the criticism in a social media post on Sunday night.
The Prime Minister further disclosed that the cabinet would convene to discuss the pledges made by the PiS during its recent convention. The convention, which unveiled the party’s manifesto policies in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections this autumn, has drawn attention and sparked debates over the feasibility of the proposed social welfare programs.
Ambitious Social Welfare Expansion Plans
One of the key promises announced during the convention was an expansion of social welfare initiatives.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of PiS, announced during the event an increase in the existing 500+ childcare benefit to PLN 800 (EUR 176), along with plans for free prescription medicines for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as free medicines for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
Budgetary “Implications” and Election Season
While critics argue that these promises may strain the budget, Prime Minister Morawiecki’s rebuttal seeks to emphasize the significant revenue growth and tax reductions achieved under the PiS government’s policies. The debate surrounding the budgetary implications of these pledges is expected to be addressed in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
As Poland heads into a critical election season, discussions around fiscal responsibility and social welfare spending will likely remain at the forefront of public discourse, shaping the political landscape in the months to come.