As of January 1, Polish lawmakers receive a higher monthly allowance for running their offices. The amount has risen to 23,300 PLN, up from 22,200 PLN in December. This increase was approved retroactively by Sejm Speaker Szymon Hołownia and Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. Senators also benefited from the decision.
A History of Steady Increases
Parliamentary office allowances have been growing regularly since 2016. Before that, the budget remained steady at 12,150 PLN. The first increase under the PiS government brought it to 13,200 PLN, and by 2021, it had reached 17,200 PLN. In 2023, Hołownia and Kidawa-Błońska raised it by a record 3,200 PLN, reaching 22,200 PLN.
The justification for these increases is rising operational costs and inflation. However, the continuous growth of allowances sparks public debate. Critics argue that funds could be better allocated, while supporters claim the rise is necessary to maintain efficient parliamentary offices.