Poland could raise education spending to 6% of GDP. The Future+ project marks the first legislative initiative from the Third Way, unveiled on Wednesday by Szymon Hołownia, leader of Poland 2050, and Dariusz Klimczak, vice president of PSL. The two described Future+ as a school that millions of Polish families have been waiting for.
The first legislative move from the Third Way
During a press conference on Wednesday, Szymon Hołownia and Dariusz Klimczak introduced the opening measure in a series of Third Way proposals. These initiatives reflect program postulates developed by Poland 2050 and PSL as part of a joint effort to address a shared set of challenges.
Hołownia announced that the flagship proposal is an education bill named Future+. The plan calls for raising education spending to 6% of GDP. The leading figure from the alliance called the bill Future+ because its essence is concrete and forward looking: an investment of 35 billion PLN to boost education spending.
He emphasized that if Poland is considered across generations, investment in the future becomes essential. The target of 6% of GDP for education was highlighted as a key principle.
Hołownia: Future+ is a school with broad appeal for Polish families
Future+ aims to secure a real future and sustainable development. It intends to invest in Polish schools so they can align with the 2050 and 21st century perspectives, Hołownia explained.
Hołownia reiterated that Future+ is a school that millions of Polish families are waiting for.
Hołownia: if funds exist for 800 plus, guidance is needed on spending
If tens of billions exist in the state budget for indexation from PLN 500 plus to PLN 800, the team proposes a clear plan for how those funds should be used. It was stated that money in Poland should not be dispersed indiscriminately but invested where it matters most.
Hołownia argued that the proposed project represents a genuine investment in Poland’s future because the money would support places where children learn. Thinking about Poland through the lens of future generations calls for today’s investment in the young and in education.
Provisions: five hours of English, a psychologist, hot lunches, and teachers in schools
The plan envisions allocating 6% of GDP to education, enabling five hours of English per week for students. It also includes a psychologist at every school and hot meals for every child. Future+ is described as a tool to ease the financial burden on families who currently spend heavily on tutoring.
The central priority is to ensure schools have qualified teachers who want to stay in the profession. The proposal underscores the need for state support so teachers feel valued and supported in their roles.
Invitation to review the project
Education transcends political divides because every generation wants a strong future for its children and a thriving country. Therefore, the Third Way has invited all parliamentary groups to review the Future+ project ahead of a potential submission to the Sejm next week.
The vice president of PSL stressed that Poland’s future rests on its children and on education at a high European standard, accessible to every child in cities and villages alike.
Underfunding in the education system is described as a chronic problem that creates further difficulties. Parents, students, and teachers often turn to private schools that offer more language classes and extracurricular activities, according to the proposal.
According to the organizers, the plan aims to prevent education from becoming a division between the wealthy and the poor and to safeguard access to knowledge for all. The message calls for subsidies to support the Polish education system.