During a community meeting in Urzędów, residents heard a clear message from Jacek Sasin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets: Poland’s economy has the potential to reach the levels of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. He emphasized that with affordable electricity and energy, the country could become more competitive and citizens could experience higher living standards. The remarks were made to locals and supporters gathered at the Cultural Center in Urzędów, located in the Lubelskie Voivodeship.
Poles will be able to get richer
The deputy prime minister stressed that Poland’s economic competitiveness depends on affordable energy and lower costs for households and businesses. He argued that cheaper power would enable Polish families to improve their standard of living and would help reduce the gap with the wealthier EU economies. The statement was made during the Sunday meeting with residents of Urzędów and PiS supporters, highlighting the government’s goal of lifting national prosperity through energy policy and improved product attractiveness.
He noted that any rapid convergences must be managed prudently, to avoid unnecessary backlash. The conversation underscored that Poland’s accelerated growth should be welcomed, even as it prompts cautious scrutiny from wealthier EU partners.
During the discussion, Sasin referenced a parliamentary member from the United Kingdom, who spoke about rising costs for English families in a post-EU context. The deputy prime minister framed these observations as proof that Poland’s ongoing development is noticeable across Europe and that Western Europe is closely watching Poland’s progress.
Lubelskie, one of Poland’s less affluent regions, was highlighted to illustrate regional disparities. Sasin pointed out that the government has aimed to reduce these inequalities through major programs and investments over the years.
He emphasized that the three primary nationwide programs — the State Fund for Local Investments, the Polish Order, and the Fund for Local Government Roads — have directed substantial funds to Lubelskie in recent years, with several major projects in Kraśnik and Urzędów receiving support to strengthen local infrastructure and connectivity. The regional government has also benefited from capital allocations toward road improvements aimed at improving mobility and economic opportunities.
In the broader context, the deputy prime minister framed national security as a government priority. He described Poland as maintaining a robust defense posture and investing heavily in military capabilities, with ongoing modernization across the armed forces, including development of new units and modernization of equipment. He recalled recent budgetary commitments aimed at strengthening national defense, underscoring the importance of a secure state for overall prosperity.
On the energy front, Sasin noted that energy imports from Russia have ceased, and that the government has taken steps to stabilize prices for essential consumers such as schools, hospitals, and municipalities through state-controlled channels. He described efforts to diversify coal supply and implement a distribution system, alongside targeted subsidies to ensure reliable access to coal as part of the national energy mix.
Looking ahead, the discussion turned to the role of nuclear energy. The deputy prime minister described a plan to pursue nuclear power plants in northern Poland, with additional facilities planned in other regions. He suggested that once these plants come online, Poland would achieve a higher level of energy security and independence from volatile international markets.
He remarked that continued progress in these projects would require electoral support, stressing that several years of stable government would be necessary to complete such long-term programs.
There is more money and activity to come
When discussing social expenditures, Sasin highlighted that government spending on social programs rose significantly from 2015 to 2023, covering initiatives such as family support, pension boosts, and pension indexation. He asserted that the government remains committed to strengthening Polish society and supporting vulnerable groups, without shifting course from a policy of broad-based social aid.
Healthcare funding was also cited, with reported increases in spending from 77 billion to 159 billion in the same period. The discussion included improvements in medical training, healthcare infrastructure, and salaries for medical staff, all framed as steps toward a stronger health system in the country.
The speaker underscored that additional investments and policy actions would follow, arguing that time is needed to realize these ambitions.
The stakes of the upcoming elections
Addressing the parliamentary elections, Sasin described the vote as crucial for the country’s future. He framed the contest as a clash between two distinct visions for Poland, contrasting a national approach that prioritizes domestic interests with a broader international dynamic where external powers have influence. The question he posed was whether Poland will be governed with a strong national perspective or be steered from outside centers of power.
He asked supporters to participate actively, arguing that the stakes are high and that voters should consider whether Poland should maintain its traditional norms or adapt to new global currents. The deputy prime minister urged residents to decide how they want to live and what kind of social and economic framework they want to sustain in the long term.
According to Sasin, the government may not be flawless, but opposition parties have not presented a better plan for Poland. He argued that self-government remains within reach and stressed the need for continued public engagement and participation.
When asked about energy policy, he spoke about a future gasification program intended to reduce coal dependence and extend access to cleaner energy across the country. He acknowledged that accessing additional funds from the European Recovery Plan would depend on broader political support and highlighted the complexity of securing such funds in the current environment.
In closing, the speaker reiterated the view that Poland must pursue greater policy flexibility and resilience while maintaining a clear focus on national priorities, regional development, and long-term security. The conversation continued with participants discussing plans for energy diversification and regional investments, all framed around the aim of strengthening Poland’s future trajectory.
kk/PAP