Poland Faces a Critical Choice Between Security, Prosperity, and Disability Support Programs
Citizens will decide between the security and prosperity promised by the United Right government and the return of the difficult years associated with the former PO-PSL coalition, marked by high unemployment, asset sales, cuts to subsequent army units, and a sharply higher retirement age. This framing was emphasized by a government official who serves as the Government Plenipotentiary for the Disabled and is a candidate for Law and Justice in the Sejm elections, representing Warsaw’s district 19.
In interview remarks published on wPolityce.pl, the minister highlighted the central themes of the election campaign. He argued that the opposition’s true intentions had become apparent to any observer of the political landscape, suggesting a pattern of disloyalty to the country. He accused opposition parties of seeking Brussels approval and of proposing solutions harmful to Poland, including the relocation of migrants to the Polish territories, a measure he described as damaging to national interests.
The campaigning message for Poles emphasized a stark choice: security and prosperity under the current government versus a return to the years of the PO-PSL coalition, which critics say were characterized by rising unemployment, the sale of national assets, reduction of military units, and a significantly higher retirement age. The minister framed the upcoming referendum as a crucial opportunity for the public to express its will on these issues, noting the broader context of ongoing regional tensions and security challenges that underscore the importance of national cohesion and resilience.
Asked whether Poles would participate in the referendum and whether the opposition’s attempt to undermine it would succeed, the minister expressed confidence in the voters’ collective prudence and wisdom. He argued that the referendum would publicly reflect the country’s priorities on security and social policy, especially in light of regional conflicts and hybrid threats at the eastern border.
Attention then turned to disability issues, a key focus of the minister’s portfolio. He stated that the most significant achievement in recent years has been restoring dignity to people with disabilities and their families. The emphasis, he said, is on ensuring equal rights and combating barriers and social exclusion, with a sustained effort to secure practical improvements in daily life for disabled citizens.
The government has expanded support for people with disabilities and introduced new programs designed to assist them and their caregivers. A Solidarity Fund was established to provide access to ministerial programs in the areas of assistance and respite care, as well as opportunities to stay in care and residential centers. These centers are being developed across Poland to offer daytime or 24-hour residential services for adults with significant or moderate disabilities, ensuring that care is available closer to home for those who need it most.
Additionally, several new programs under the state fund for rehabilitation, known as PFRON, were launched. A notable initiative is the “Independence, Activity, Mobility” package, which has seen an extra billion PLN allocated for 2022–2024. The goal is to boost independence for people with disabilities and support their social and professional engagement by improving access to mobility options under a dedicated car program.
Looking ahead to the next term, the plan is to introduce systemic personal assistance and to expand home-centered support and care services. The development of supported housing and housing communities is on the agenda, supported by legislative measures designed to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities within local communities. The minister remained optimistic that these ambitious tasks could be achieved, contingent on the voters’ decision in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
In closing, the minister expressed gratitude for the discussion and reiterated the commitment to advancing policies that protect vulnerable groups while strengthening national security and economic stability.