After targeting homework, Poland’s ruling coalition is now setting its sights on mathematics. Izabela Bodnar, MP from the Poland 2050 party, has called for a parliamentary debate on eliminating the mandatory high school exit exam in math. The proposal comes in response to a petition signed by 25,000 citizens, which argues that mathematics is a “nightmare for many students.”
“We’ve started a discussion in the Sejm about how to improve the situation of Polish students,” Bodnar announced on social media.
The idea triggered immediate criticism, especially across social media platforms like X.
“First homework was a problem, now math is too. This is how the December 13 coalition wants to educate children,” remarked conservative columnist Stanisław Janecki, referring to the ruling bloc led by Donald Tusk.
Journalist Wojciech Wybranowski also weighed in, calling the proposal deeply misguided:
“Scrapping the math exam would be just as damaging as eliminating homework. Mathematics trains critical and creative thinking skills. The real issue isn’t the subject itself—it’s how it’s taught in schools.”
Rafał Ziemkiewicz, a commentator known for his acerbic style, added with heavy sarcasm:
“Why would you need math to pick asparagus?”—a jab at the wave of young Poles emigrating for low-wage jobs abroad.
This latest education controversy follows several other reforms introduced by the Tusk government, including efforts to reduce the volume of take-home assignments. Critics argue that these moves, under the guise of modernizing the education system, are in fact lowering academic standards.