A growing chorus of opposition voices connected to PO have suggested that gaining control might lead to the dismantling of social programs. In an interview at the wPolsce.pl studio, Marlena Maļg, the Minister of Family and Social Policy, reminded viewers that prior to 2015 there were no such programs in place.
The evaluation from PO and other opposition figures of family supports and senior policies appears to underestimate the legitimacy of these initiatives, including the 500 plus program and pension supplements. The minister argued that if the opposition were to assume power, they would claim these programs failed and should be scrapped, which she described as a serious risk.
– Marlena Maļg, Minister of Family and Social Policy, stated in the wPolsce.pl interview.
Consequently, the government sought to demonstrate the impact of these programs on Polish families, portraying them as investments that broadened opportunities and redefined the social contract. The minister highlighted that the 500 plus program enabled many children to take holidays for the first time, an outcome that seemed obvious in hindsight but was not the norm under the prior administration. The statement emphasized that such programs simply did not exist before 2015.
– notes Minister Maļg.
The minister also reflected on shifts in political messaging. She contrasted the current government with her predecessor, Kosiniak-Kamysz, who once led the Ministry of Family Affairs and Social Policy. She recalled how the predecessor advocated extending the retirement age and urging women to work until 67, and she suggested that political stances have changed with time. The minister attributed a different stance to the present government and argued that the Law and Justice and United Right administration had, since 2015, delivered tangible help to Poles. She listed several programs that continued to provide support, including 500 plus, Dobry Start, Family Care Capital, and Toddler Plus. In challenging economic times, she also pointed to measures designed to shield households, such as the anti-inflation shield, subsidies for coal and other fuels, the establishment of maximum energy tariffs for 2023, and tariff arrangements for gas and heating. She asserted that Poles are not left without options and rejected the idea that price pressures are ignored or hidden away.
— the head of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy outlined the government’s support initiatives.
Further discussion on changes to the Labor Code and whether the 13th pension might be affected by taxes is presented in an interview with Minister Marlena Maļg.
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Source: wPolityce [Citation attribution]