Speculation swirled about whether Krzysztof Hetman will take a seat in the cabinet as Minister of Development under Donald Tusk’s administration. Media outlets have reported on the possibility, and the PSL politician faced questions about his political future during a conversation on Radio ZET.
Hetman in Tusk’s government?
The interview focused on Tusk’s recent discussions with potential ministers who might join his team. Hetman revealed that he attended the gathering and met colleagues from the Civic Coalition, noting that the discussions at the headquarters of the Civic Platform were constructive and substantial. The conversation touched on policy measures aimed at stabilizing prices for entrepreneurs.
When pressed about a potential role in the new leadership, Hetman did not dismiss the idea outright. He stated that it could be a possibility, signaling openness while not making a definitive commitment at that moment.
“This is a crucial moment”
During the interview, Hetman addressed the question of why electricity prices should be frozen only for six months at a time. He explained that the practice has been six months in repeated cycles, and the market could evolve in ways that would require reassessment. He underscored that this is a pivotal period for balancing public affordability with market realities.
Hetman argued that it is impractical to freeze prices indefinitely, suggesting that adjustments will be necessary as conditions change. He asserted that the goal is to keep bills at a manageable level for households and businesses, while acknowledging the need for ongoing monitoring of energy costs and supply dynamics.
According to Hetman, the state budget would need to contribute roughly 15 billion PLN to maintain a six-month price freeze, with the financing plan pointing to supporting sources such as Orlen. He affirmed that, with the policy in place, consumer bills would remain at their current levels rather than escalating beyond them.
This provision is ‘absolutely unacceptable’
The discussion also revisited the so-called Mill Act. Hetman attributed any shortcomings in the bill to a lack of experience and emphasized the importance of refining the framework. He noted that renewable energy must be unlocked and that the coalition would pursue its commitments while operating within parliamentary processes when possible.
Within the PSL, Hetman indicated that the project would be reviewed carefully and that a particular provision involving an entrenchment of around 300 meters was deemed unacceptable. He stressed the need for precise, fair language and feasible mechanisms to implement the plan.
Free highways?
Hetman was asked about the idea of free highways. He offered a nuanced view, saying there is no straightforward answer. He observed that a large share of Poles do not use motorways regularly, and making highways free for all would shift maintenance costs onto taxpayers and the state budget. He cautioned that such a policy would require broad funding beyond the tolls currently paid by road users.
While the notion of free highways can sound appealing, Hetman warned that the money would come from somewhere, and the burden would ultimately fall on public finances. He pointed out that the cost outlay would be borne by everyone and questioned who would truly benefit from universal free access.
In his assessment of the PiS government’s approach, Hetman described free highways as a form of political messaging rather than a sustainable policy, labeling it an election-season move designed to win votes rather than deliver lasting improvements in infrastructure funding.
In a series of brief questions, Hetman also commented on other items on the agenda, including the Civil Companies Act. He admitted support for the act, signaling alignment with the coalition on key corporate and civil matters. When asked whether a 0% loan could push housing prices higher, he referenced the experience with the 2% loan and suggested that ensuring adequate supply in the housing market is essential to moderating prices.
Ministry of Equality?
Radio ZET also pressed Hetman on the idea of creating a Ministry for Equality. He acknowledged that he would consider such an appointment but stressed that the existing Ministry of Labour, Social Policy and Family should continue to operate. He noted today’s equality challenges but questioned whether a standalone ministry is the optimal answer, leaving room for debate about institutional structures.
Hetman also mentioned plans to implement the voluntary ZUS contributions for entrepreneurs, insisting that the policy would not represent a step backward. He indicated that the timing and exact terms would be clarified in due course, while reiterating the commitment to move forward with the reform agenda.
The discussion on Radio ZET wrapped with a candid sense of where Hetman stands on a wide range of policy questions, reflecting a pragmatic approach to governance and coalition-building as the political landscape evolves in Poland. The interview provided a window into how a prominent PSL figure envisions balancing market pressures, public subsidies, and long-term reforms that affect households and businesses alike.