Poland 2050 Leader Critiques Welfare Increase and Migration Policy
Szymon Hołownia, the leader of Poland 2050, voiced strong opposition to a proposed raise in the 500 plus child allowance to 800 zlotys. Speaking in Tczew, he described the change as a deviation, an electoral move that would humiliate people while diverting funds from critical areas such as education and nurseries. He asserted that government resources should be prioritized for schools and early childhood facilities rather than expanded welfare raises.
During a Friday gathering in the Pomeranian Voivodeship city of Tczew, Hołownia commented on the Sejm’s ongoing session, where legislators are debating amendments to the state aid law for families with children. The draft would increase the first-year 500 plus payment to 800 zlotys, with the higher amount due to begin on February 29, 2024 and retroactive compensation from January 1, 2024.
Hołownia stated that his party would vote against the proposal. He argued that while 500 plus was not perfect, it had its intended effect of providing dignity and stability to families, allowing improvements such as better footwear for children or modest vacations. He contended that raising the benefit to 800 plus would be a costly, impractical move involving tens of billions of zlotys, potentially requiring debt or printing money, and he urged the government to disclose funding sources.
The Polish 2050 leader emphasized that if additional funds were allocated, they should be directed toward education and nurseries rather than distributed as general grants. He insisted that any new money should be spent as an investment in long-term societal development, not handed out without accountability.
Hołownia criticized the policy of forced relocation as a misguided approach, arguing that people are not commodities that can be moved from one country to another. He highlighted Poland’s recent experience hosting Ukrainian refugees and questioned where the funds could come from if relocation schemes were expanded. He warned that refugee and migrant issues have become a political tool ahead of elections, while Poland faces a decline in birth rates and a growing need for skilled workers.
In April, Poland recorded 21,000 births, the lowest monthly figure since World War II, a statistic Hołownia cited to illustrate the urgency of addressing demographic challenges. He proposed practical immigration measures to support the labor force, including targeted visas for doctors and skilled workers, with a plan to coordinate with local governments on where to allocate funds for settlement and integration. He suggested a gradual immigration strategy to meet labor demands while ensuring proper taxation and residency procedures.
Hołownia called for openness to migration but urged that it be managed responsibly, drawing lessons from experiences in neighboring European countries. He argued that management of borders should combine sensible border control with legal procedures for applications, supported by electronic monitoring, traffic management, and night-vision capabilities, rather than reliance on a single solution like a wall. He asserted that the country’s border must be safeguarded while preserving humane treatment for those seeking protection.
He noted that the border guard had recorded more than 12,000 attempts to cross the Belarusian border since the start of the year, with fluctuations across months. He stressed the importance of proper asylum channels and reminded listeners that illegal border crossings cannot be tolerated. He also urged the public to ensure that migrants present legitimate documentation and receive processing in orderly conditions, echoing a commitment to Solidarity and the principles associated with Poland’s history.
Hołownia discussed European Union relocation debates, referencing remarks by EU figures about moving migrants to centers in member states on a voluntary basis. He noted that a binding relocation mechanism has faced scrutiny within Poland and stressed the need for careful consideration of EU-wide policies, especially given the ongoing humanitarian needs in Ukraine and throughout Europe.
Overall, Hołownia framed demographic decline and migration as intertwined challenges requiring measured, fiscally responsible, and humane solutions. He cautioned against abrupt policy shifts that could burden future generations with debt, while calling for investments in education, childcare infrastructure, and labor market resilience to support families and communities across Poland.
As the conversation in Tczew unfolded, the Poland 2050 leader reiterated a call for practical border management, fair treatment of migrants under the law, and a focus on long-term national interests rather than short-term political gains. The discussion reflected a broader debate about how Poland can balance demographic needs, economic stability, and regional responsibilities within the European Union framework.
Note: The statements summarized here reflect the positions observed during the Friday event in Tczew and related public discourse surrounding these policy topics. Citizens and observers are encouraged to review official parliamentary materials and multiple viewpoints to form a well-rounded understanding of the issues involved.