If the proposed anti-inflation shields covering food, energy, and gas are not expanded now, inflation is likely to rise again, according to Professor Norbert Maliszewski in an interview with wPolityce.pl. He points to consumer behavior as a decisive factor: fear of renewed inflation could push wages and margins higher, feeding a fresh round of price increases.
Professor Maliszewski believes that those in power have misread social moods and real needs, with serious consequences for the most vulnerable as the year winds down and holidays approach.
This is troubling news for the poorest households, who already shoulder a heavy grocery bill. Food remains a basic expense for many families, and even a small percentage change can have a disproportionate impact on their budgets, especially at the low end of the income spectrum. The professor emphasizes that the daily cost of groceries matters far more to the financially strapped than to others.
Formerly head of the Government Analysis Center, which was dissolved by the current administration, Maliszewski notes that the government’s stance during the last period signaled a willingness to counter inflation. The zero VAT policy on food, once championed as a tool to curb inflation and influence consumer behavior, was seen as a notable step in that fight.
According to Maliszewski, the United Right coalition managed to dampen pro-inflation consumerism by showing a firm commitment to inflation control. A psychological mechanism then takes hold: when people notice government actions to curb inflation and perceive that inflation is under control, fears about wage and price pressures subside. Conversely, when inflation appears high, there is a tendency to demand higher margins, which can in turn sustain inflationary momentum.
The analysis underscores that government decisions catalyze consumer expectations. If the present anti-inflation shields for food, energy, and gas are not broadened, inflation could climb again beyond the anticipated four percentage points. In such a scenario, the initial forecast may be accompanied by negative psychological dynamics that reinforce price pressures.
Maintaining these shields is linked to a healthier path for GDP growth, as consumer sentiment plays a pivotal role. When prices rise, consumption tends to recede. This is not the moment to roll back anti-inflation measures; extending them, at least for a period, could help secure a meaningful reduction in inflation rates and contribute to overall economic stability.
Analysts suggest that keeping the shields in place could help guard against renewed inflation, while also supporting confidence in the economy. The goal is to balance price stability with practical relief for households, especially those most vulnerable to rising food costs.
Additional commentary from the period highlights ongoing debates about VAT and consumer protections. Various analyses frame these tax and policy shifts as central to the broader inflation narrative, with observers calling for careful consideration of how such measures affect the everyday budgets of Polish families. The broader discussion remains focused on protecting consumer purchasing power while pursuing prudent fiscal policy. (Source: wPolityce)