The economic ‘guru’ of the liberal opposition (though recently very dissatisfied with the Civic Platform’s proposal), Prof. In an interview for Rzeczpospolita, Leszek Balcerowicz stated that the state should not run the economy.
Reform of “social”
In general, budgetary problems are not the result of the financing of classic state functions, such as defense, but of the expansion of “social security”.
– said in an interview with Rzeczpospolita the former deputy prime minister, finance minister and NBP president, recently offended by Donald Tusk for proposing “giveaways” to Poland.
When asked how to reform this “social”, he gave a “prescription” in the form of … raising the retirement age.
You must go back to your previous retirement age. By returning to 60/65 we spend a few billion extra per year
– he said, describing the increase in the retirement age as “one of the useful things the PO has done”.
He also expressed his satisfaction that the PO has not pledged to maintain the reduced retirement age.
State ownership practically zero
But that is not everything. When asked whether the economic proposals of Szymon Hołownia and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz are close to his heart, Balcerowicz said that the Civic Development Foundation was preparing an analysis of individual parties’ programs.
The economic plan should include about reducing state ownership in the economy to virtually zero
he assessed.
What is the substantive justification for the state, i.e. politicians, to have any property?
he asked.
Responding to Rzeczpospolita journalists’ attention that it was about managing strategic areas of the state and economy, he stated:
If “strategic” means very important, most were strategic areas in socialism.
Why should the state “manage” the economy? What is the advantage of the West over socialism? On private property, not state property
– added.
I do not see any material justification for part of the economy being owned by the state
he assessed.
At the same time, Leszek Balcerowicz expressed his belief that in addition to maximum “depoliticization of the economy”, one should also “introduce a higher retirement age and abolish common social divisions to stabilize public finances”.
Would Leszek Balcerowicz treat us all to the 90s?
aja/Rp.pl
Source: wPolityce