Packs and locusts aside, Marek Belka has pushed his stance further, critiquing the current approach and vowing a change in how state-backed finance entities are run. The former prime minister, former head of the National Bank of Poland, and former member of the Polish United Workers’ Party now emphasizes a shift toward root-level reforms aimed at public finance companies.
The most important thing now is that we don’t argue with each other.
In an interview with money.pl, the MEP, who ran on the European Coalition ticket, outlined the next steps he believes the opposition should take after the elections. His message centers on uniting the political bloc to stabilize economic policy and present a credible government team capable of steering fiscal matters without alienating voters.
He argued that forming a capable government team to manage the economy is the highest priority. The aim is to implement a plan that reassures voters rather than triggering further divisions, he said candidly, stressing that the focus should be on unity rather than public quarrels.
Belka criticized the budget prepared by the PiS government, suggesting it should be passed and then amended in the first half of the following year. Beyond the budget, he outlined several objectives he would like to pursue, including a rapid public media reform and a gradual, sustained effort to educate society about economic issues. He pointed out that the nation has not adequately addressed these topics since the era of Jacek Kuroń, and time is pressing to remedy that gap. He also called for changes within state-owned enterprises and a swift response to what he described as problematic lines of nepotism and influence among close associates.
– he stated.
Belka announces… “de-ratification” at state-owned companies (sic!)
The issue of state-owned enterprises drew intense attention, largely because of the controversial wording used by the MEP. Democratic voters reportedly expect a clean, merit-based approach that minimizes political appointments in Treasury-affiliated firms. The plan, according to the interview, is to avoid protracted debates over staffing levels and instead push for decisive, rapid changes in the leadership and oversight of these entities.
In response to a journalist’s question about the goal to depoliticize state finances, Belka emphasized that strengthening the civil service and introducing competitive processes are essential steps. He also cautioned against keeping certain individuals in place longer than necessary, advocating for a clear path to new appointments if needed. The overarching idea is to reduce political interference and improve governance across state assets.
Observers described his rhetoric as blunt but pointed to a broader push for transparency in how public funds are managed. The discussion touched on potential reforms at large energy and industrial groups, highlighting the tension between political influence and professional expertise. Critics noted the timing and tone of the remarks as signaling a hard shift from the current leadership toward more technocratic administration in the state sector.
Other voices within the conversation weighed in with their own assessments. Some warned that depoliticizing public finances would require not only personnel changes but also institutional safeguards to protect independent decision-making. Others questioned whether the proposed reforms would withstand political pressure and how they might affect ongoing negotiations and coalition dynamics.
Overall, the dialogue drew attention to the broader strategy of reform, including the role of competitive hiring, stronger civil service standards, and the balance between reform and continuity in public administration. Observers cautioned that any rapid departure from established practices would need careful design to avoid unintended consequences in the economy.
– Critics of the plan argued that a thorough, carefully planned transition would be necessary to prevent disruptions in key public institutions. They urged measured steps and broad consensus to ensure reforms stick over time.
– Supporters suggested that a refreshed leadership layer and clearer rules for appointments could restore credibility to the public sector and align it more closely with market-based discipline. The debate continues as policymakers weigh different models for reform and accountability.
olnk/geld.pl