It was a heated discussion about the deteriorating state of public finances, aired on a Polish television program. Politicians and public commentators debated the mounting budget challenges, while a vocal editor pressed the left on the claim that predecessors stole funds without proving the total or the precise impact on the budget.
Look in the mirror, apologize and get lost.
The question loomed: why did the budget deficit rise so sharply after the coalition took power on December 13? The host raised it with invited guests on the program, seeking a clear explanation for the sudden fiscal strain.
A letter from the head of the national tax administration unions outlined troubling signs that resurfaced and pushed down budget revenues. It argued that tax discipline has collapsed, many companies fail to pay taxes, and agencies meant to pursue tax violators have been dissolved or restructured, undermining enforcement.
Also highlighted was the view that the state finances had been under relentless pressure, with statements that large resources had previously flowed into the budget and that current policies were eroding that trajectory.
The discussion recalled a famous remark tied to budget planning for 2024, when a larger deficit was discussed along with relief measures for Poles. The line about apologizing and disappearing was cited as a pointed reminder of prior warnings.
She remembered the moment and noted that the coalition had increased deficits by tens of billions, while a refrain about looking in the mirror and apologizing was echoed in the debate.
The journalist couldn’t stand it!
A left‑leaning panelist argued that the government faces difficulties after eight years of rule by the ruling coalition with its allies. Audits across ministries have begun to reveal how funds were drawn from the system and how accounting was shaped, while inflation cooled. Reports of officials leaving the country and avoiding police and prosecutors raised questions about possible embezzlement and mismanagement.
Asked about the numbers, the host pressed for a figure on how much was allegedly siphoned off, while the guest declined to provide specific sums, saying the focus was on assessing the overall situation rather than calculating exact losses.
The exchange continued as the journalist noted that entire departments had been restructured, including at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. Veterans in the field were reassigned to district offices, and the critique of theft accusations remained unresolved as to the amount and the direct budget impact.
Kuźmiuk sounds the alarm! It will get worse
A member of the governing party warned that there are effectively two budgets to consider for this coalition, this year and next year, with 2025 in focus. The discussion pointed to an astronomical deficit proposal near 290 billion zlotys, against spending estimated around 920 billion. The implication was that roughly one out of every three zlotys may need to be borrowed to cover expenses.
The plan for next year was seen as incomplete without addressing the expected dramatic drop in budget revenues, an issue that lawmakers anticipated would become clearer two months before the end of the current budget year.
Systemic dismantling of the state
For the moment the tone suggested a looming disaster. It was argued that while some say people deserve more, a rise in energy costs by twenty percent would complicate any positive outlook.
The discussion returned to concerns about the state apparatus. The sense grew that the state could be losing its edge, with agencies under pressure and resources stretched thin. The argument questioned whether multiple investigations were producing real results, and critics asked where independent oversight stood in the current political climate.
There was a sense that structural changes were hitting specialized units within the prosecutor’s office and other oversight bodies. Some argued that investigations appeared to operate under political considerations, while others stressed the need for independent accountability to protect taxpayers and the economy.
The broader question of governance and anti‑corruption work was raised, with commentary on the role of the state in monitoring compliance and ensuring transparent administration. The full discussion underscored the ongoing tension between fiscal policy aims and the perceived effectiveness of institutions during a period of economic strain.
The entire program can be watched in the channel’s video archive.
Olnk