PiS Projects Under Scrutiny: Comments on Cement Markets and Infrastructure Strategy
A sitting Civic Platform member of parliament, Małgorzata Niemczyk, offered a candid, lightly joking critique of the government’s large-scale infrastructure agenda. Her remarks drew a pointed social media reply from PiS MP Marcin Horała, a former government official responsible for the CPK project.
Niemczyk’s conversation with a major news outlet touched on a central concern: if the entire set of PiS-driven investments were carried out, Poland could face shortages in cement production. She suggested that such a scenario would strain the supply of building materials and put upward pressure on the cost of new housing, schools, or sports facilities. The question she framed was straightforward: would there be enough raw materials and industrial capacity to sustain a broad construction program? And could the scale of the plan distort market prices? She also pointed out that there had been no comprehensive public analyses addressing these potential bottlenecks.
Her comments were met with a measured, substantive response from Horała, who also serves as a deputy minister-level figure associated with infrastructure policy. He acknowledged the gravity of the concern but reframed it within a broader policy context. He suggested that the risks tied to a large investment push are real, but not fatal to the program. He argued that risks need to be managed rather than used to derail larger plans, noting that the government has integrated safeguards and proactive measures to keep construction activity stable and predictable.
Horała highlighted ongoing dialogue with the construction industry and described a preparedness framework designed to align demand with capacity. He pointed to strategic steps to attract major global firms to form consortia with Polish companies, naming collaboration with Dowha Engeenering as an example of such partnerships in tender processes. He emphasized that a collaborative approach can broaden the capability base and foster reliable supply chains across the sector.
The deputy minister outlined procurement practices aimed at reducing risk for contractors while preserving accountability on the client side. He described window tenders that assemble a select group of firms to undertake entire contract packages. This approach creates a predictable environment where participants know they have a seat at the table and can invest in developing their capacities. He also noted the use of open-book contracts, which shift risk assessment toward the client and away from the contractor price alone. The intended result is a fairer bidding process where margins reflect real costs and risks rather than speculative estimates.
Horała framed the discussion as part of a long-term investment philosophy rather than a reaction to short-term needs. He described a portfolio-wide management approach that looks beyond individual contracts and Tender outcomes toward sustained, coordinated development. He noted a preference for design-and-build arrangements only when they suit simpler, clearly defined projects, ensuring better predictability and execution. This philosophy, he argued, helps avoid ad hoc spending and supports disciplined growth in infrastructure capacity.
As part of this strategy, Poland’s capital group reframed its railway construction capability through Torpol, a leading Polish contractor associated with the CPK group. The goal was to leverage Torpol’s expertise while benchmarking the wider market through competitively bid tenders. This approach, according to Horała, creates a structured environment that discourages excessive profit margins and promotes stable, reliable project delivery. It also serves as an internal safeguard, ensuring that if a party deviates from agreed standards, the consequences and penalties are enforceable, reducing the likelihood of disruptions or renegotiations mid-project.
The exchange concluded with a practical expectation: the government would address stakeholders’ concerns, maintain transparent communication, and continuously adapt the investment program to evolving market conditions. The overall message was that the administration would blend ambitious infrastructure goals with robust risk management, aiming to safeguard both the market and the long-term integrity of Poland’s public investments.
In sum, the discourse around the PiS infrastructure push centers on balancing expansive construction with material availability, market stability, and responsible procurement. While critics worry about potential supply constraints and cost pressures, proponents insist that strategic planning, industry collaboration, and disciplined project governance will keep the program on track and ensure a durable foundation for future growth.