The biggest challenge is reversing negative trends in demographic policy; We are an aging society, Marlena Maląg, Minister of Family and Social Policy, told PAP.
“We don’t have generational replacement.”
The head of the ministry was asked by PAP about the biggest challenge in social policy.
The biggest challenge is undoubtedly reversing the negative trends in demographic policy; we are an aging society, we see that there is no generational replacement
– noted Maląg. She added: “Historically, we must of course refer here to the times of wild privatization, when there was enormous unemployment, when young people had no guaranteed security and therefore no decisions were made to start a family.” As she emphasized, it is vital to her ministry to reverse these trends.
So step by step implementation of what we have planned in the “Demographic Strategy”
– she added.
“Today, poverty does not have the face of a child”
When asked about further challenges, the minister replied that “if we look at the long-term social policy, what we have started as a government of PiS and the United Right is the continuation of the dignity policy, which means that the situation of Poland must change. families, families with children and seniors, because we view this policy integrally.”
She emphasized that the situation had “changed dramatically” compared to 2015.
Today we can safely say that poverty does not have a baby face, as statistics, also provided by European agencies, show that the risk of extreme poverty in Poland is very low compared to other EU countries.
Minister Maląg emphasized that the challenge for a modern state is above all that “the government must take care of the citizens who need this support; however, it should be strong against those who in some illicit way divert money from the state budget, as happened during the time of the Civic Platform, when the VAT mafia was rampant.
The minister added that for her ministry “the most important direction of action is a consistent, stable family policy, so that young people know what they can count on from the state.”
Opposition undecided
The head of the ministry admitted that it is currently unknown whether “the government in Poland will be taken over by the liberal-left opposition, and the attitude towards the situation of Polish families will change dramatically.” In this context, she pointed out that “the groups that want to take power differ enormously: in their approach to benefits, direct support to families, or 800+, 13th and 14th pensions.”
It is said that instead of the 13th and 14th pensions there will be double indexation, but it is not said in what amount and whether it will be a return to the time when it was still cents. Some politicians, including Third Way, are wondering whether to award 800+ or 500+ or 800+ only to children whose parents work – so there would be some division here
– Maląg added.
We do not agree with this because especially social programs, or better today we can say that they are socio-economic programs, have changed the face of Polish families.
– she noted.
“Dignity policies are very important
The minister also added that we “ensure a decent hourly wage”. As she emphasized: “dignity policies are very important, this investment in the future through the development of Polish families.”
According to Maląga, this policy is currently under threat.
Depending on which government takes power, we will continue to pursue these policies of dignity and development, or we will somehow be halted from meeting these liberal obligations.
– she said.
PiS will always be concerned with the well-being of Polish families
– Marlena Maląg noted.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce