The debate today centers on the government’s education policy and the ongoing vote of no confidence in Education and Science Minister Przemysław Czarnek. The discussion aims to defend the minister while outlining plans to restore a school system grounded in shared values and solidarity in the coming term.
Late on Thursday, the Sejm will review the opposition’s motion challenging Minister Czarnek’s leadership following a media report about potential funding allocations from a national education competition. The report suggested that funds might flow to organizations connected to governing party circles.
Speaking during the session, a member of the coalition highlighted that the ballot contained several inaccuracies and asked for clarification on those points.
The opposition note in their application that Minister Czarnek allegedly refused to engage with trade unions. Since his appointment, the minister has participated in 21 meetings as part of a group focused on professional status for educators. A union leader is mentioned as having attended only two of these meetings, prompting questions about dialogue and cooperation on both sides.
She questioned which party or faction seeks more dialogue and who might be resisting it.
She also cited data from union sources claiming thousands of teachers and vacancies disappeared from the system, prompting questions about the scale and impact on full-time positions. The discussion touched on how many vacancies exist for educators, specialists, psychologists, and therapists as new workforce standards roll out in September.
The speaker noted that 20,000 new roles for psychologists and specialists are planned, with a budget allocation of 2.4 billion PLN and 180 million for additional psychological and pedagogical support hours. This point was presented as part of the effort to strengthen educational services.
Today’s proceedings emphasize defending the minister and pledging to continue building a values-based, solidarity-driven school system in the next term.
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Opposition attack
Opposition representatives argue that policy choices have caused suffering for students, teachers, and parents and state that the minister should resign. They claim that after the elections, Polish education should enjoy greater freedom, openness, and fair wages for teachers, with a school climate free from indoctrination and heavy religious influence, while ensuring access to psychologists and dentists on campus.
Opposition members, including representatives from Civic Coalition, Left, Polish Coalition, and Poland 2050, submitted a motion early in the year calling for the minister’s dismissal. They cite funding allocations reportedly benefiting organizations close to ruling party circles as a key trigger for the vote.
One spokesperson claimed that a large majority of Poles want the minister to leave his post, framing the motion as representative of public sentiment toward education policy and governance.
The opposition argues that the education system has suffered from indoctrination and politicization, with teachers’ salaries and working conditions not reflecting the needs of a modern school system. They also call for a priority on mental health services, transparency in funding, and stronger collaboration with teachers and unions.
Additional remarks highlighted concerns about the minister’s rhetoric and the handling of dental and health-related initiatives in schools. Critics cited statements by the minister on topics such as discipline and inclusion, insisting that the head of the ministry should model constructive engagement with the education community.
READ ALSO: Minister Czarnek: There is no argument in the motion for a vote of no confidence, only lies, distortions and mistakes
mly/PAP