In the budget draft presented by the ruling coalition, the zero VAT rate on food was removed and the rate would revert to 5 percent. A KO member of parliament, Andrzej Domański, commented on Radio ZET that he believes VAT should return to 5 percent. When asked if Donald Tusk’s cabinet would refrain from levying taxes, the economist answered simply, “We’ll see.”
13th and 14th pensions
Domański was questioned about whether the future government under Donald Tusk intended to abolish the 13th and 14th pensions, along with other allowances and privileges, not only monetary ones but also those for Ukrainian citizens.
- and 14th retirement accommodations
He responded that the coalition would maintain a clear position: the 13th and 14th pensions would continue to exist.
When confronted with a comment from Michał Kobosko, the head of Poland 2050, proposing the abolition of these benefits because a tax-free pension could be preferable, Domański replied that the campaign had included the idea that such benefits are well received in Polish society and would not be liquidated.
Regarding the remark about a potential snag for the coalition partner, Poland 2050, Domański said, without a smile, that there was no plan to make a gesture of that kind while they were merely discussing the issue.
At the end of September, Marlena Maląg, the Minister of Family and Social Policy, announced a package totaling nearly PLN 200 billion for pension indexation and the payment of the 13th and 14th pensions for 2019–2023.
What about VAT on food?
The KO MP was also asked what would happen if VAT were not charged on food. The draft budget includes a return to a 5 percent rate after the zero VAT on food was scrapped.
Domański stated that if a KO-Left-Third Road government took office, he believed VAT should revert to 5 percent. He noted that the Polish tax system relies heavily on VAT and argued that the state needs revenue streams to finance necessary investments, including wage increases for teachers. He suggested that a 30 percent wage rise for teachers would require corresponding income sources, with VAT on food being one such source.
Asked whether Tusk’s cabinet would refrain from taxes altogether, an aide to the PO leader avoided a definitive answer. The economic climate was described as evolving, with new business models emerging, and a promise to strive for tax reductions was outlined by a Platform MP.
The discussion also touched on a potential 0% loan. The coalition agreement did not include such a proposal, and officials stated they would not retract any commitments, but may revisit the idea with coalition partners in a modified form.
Pay increases for teachers
When pressed about promised pay raises for teachers and budget officers, described as 30 percent for teachers and 20 percent for budget staff, the economist called this an “absolute priority” for the future government. He argued that changes should take effect on January 1 and, if the budget was not ready by then, adjustments should be made from January onward. He emphasized that the increases should occur as soon as possible to avoid leaving teachers underpaid.
He asserted that Poland cannot tolerate low teacher wages, highlighting the link between educational levels and long‑term economic growth.
Shopping Sundays
Domański was asked for guidance to Donald Tusk on Sunday shopping policies. The KO supports full Sunday shopping, while Trzecia Droga advocates two Sundays per month. He stated that KO’s program calls for all Sundays to be working Sundays and that a compromise should be sought to increase the number of shopping Sundays monthly.
State court for the NBP president?
Questions arose about summoning Adam Glapiński, the President of the National Bank of Poland, before the State Tribunal. Domański indicated there were grounds for such accusations, referencing remarks by economist Leszek Balcerowicz about inflation and his own criticisms of Glapiński’s monetary policy. He stressed that he did not see the Tribunal as responsible for monitoring inflation and that he would welcome a definitive legal verdict on the matter.
He also noted that the involvement of Glapiński in politics and the campaign before parliamentary elections should be examined. Questions about decisions, including bond purchases by the NBP, were described as raising serious doubts. He insisted that lawyers would issue opinions and that MPs would take further action based on those opinions. He added that Glapiński should not feel immune from scrutiny, given the seriousness of the accusations, though he hoped for a clear judicial outcome.
[Citation: wPolityce]