There is one clear source of success: the recovery of the Polish budget. The achievement is attributed to the government led by PiS. Hundreds of billions of zlotys were identified and redirected, a move described as a pivotal correction after previous periods of fiscal fog, according to remarks by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a Law and Justice convention.
Poland of Glass Ceilings, Poland for VIPs
On Saturday, a PiS convention in Warsaw brought together leading party figures. The event opened with a speech by Jarosław Kaczyński, followed by remarks from Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
A popular internet meme about workplace hierarchies was cited. It features an inscription found on a kitchen drawer at a major company, noting Lipton tea reserved for the board and Saga tea for employees. This was used to illustrate a socio-economic model prior to 2015, before PiS took office.
The prime minister commented that opponents had built a liberal system in Poland but that it resembled a country with glass ceilings, a land of VIPs, and limited access for ordinary people. He criticized a perceived lack of respect for everyday citizens and referenced controversial remarks from the opposition leader to illustrate attitudes toward ordinary Poles.
The government noted that under PiS rules, the era of notebooks being common in schools is changing. Politics is presented as work for the common good, not only for elites.
To understand the scale of change, a stark contrast with recent history is needed. The options are to move forward or to revert to wild capitalism. A firm stance was taken: there should be no return to those days.
One source of success was highlighted again: the recovery of the Polish budget. The effort was praised as a significant achievement by PiS officials. The tax system was described as a priority for simplification, with ongoing work to make it one of the best in the world.
There is a notable divergence in views on the role of the state between the current government and its predecessors. The aim is a balanced approach, avoiding statism or heavy-handed intervention.
Only a Deaf, Heartless Person Wouldn’t Notice
If there is one fundamental change to highlight, it is the reconstruction of the entire socio-economic system toward equality and reduced inequality. The prime minister argued that the current era has witnessed growing recognition of the fight against inequality, a trend seen worldwide.
Morawiecki remarked that it would be hard to miss the shift away from notebook purchases and the reduction in school essentials. The overarching purpose of political life is described as serving the common good for all citizens, not just a select few.
A warning against a return to wild capitalism was issued, with a call to move forward over the next four to eight years. The emphasis was on progress rather than regression.
Focus on Developing Productivity
The prime minister noted substantial changes in Poland’s earnings landscape. A minimum hourly wage had been introduced, rising to over PLN 20. It was recalled that the wage had once stood much lower, at PLN 3 or 4 an hour in earlier years.
The minimum wage had increased by more than PLN 1,800 in total, with net salaries growing even more thanks to tax relief and allowances. The average wage in the Polish economy rose by more than PLN 2.5 thousand, a gain achieved over the course of the government’s tenure. This was presented as evidence of a shift from low-cost labor toward higher productivity and automation.
Polish workers are increasingly using advanced machinery and automation, a trend that Morawiecki described as a growing productivity trajectory. The goal is to sustain wage growth by attracting high-tech investments and ensuring well-paid jobs for Polish families.
Moves to raise the minimum wage were scheduled to take effect at the start of 2023 and mid-year, with corresponding adjustments to the minimum hourly rate. The government claimed that wage growth and productivity would continue to rise as a core policy aim.
Falling National Debt
The discussion highlighted a national debt below 50 percent of GDP with a downward trajectory, despite substantial expenditures for crisis responses, energy price protections, and other measures. The claim was that debt levels would align with a lower trajectory than the European Union average, which was cited as proof of better fiscal management than in the past.
Past financial management was described as the opposite of current practices, with references to earlier pension reforms and open pension funds as examples of mismanagement. The emphasis remained on prudent public finance and accountability.
We Want Entrepreneurs in Poland to Become Rich
Polish entrepreneurs were described as patriots who share the goal of national prosperity alongside employees. The conversation included a simplification program and a development program for business through state-backed funds. Poland should be a friendly environment for entrepreneurs, and addressing tax justice for international companies in Poland was framed as creating a level playing field for all.
The state as a guardian of Polish interests was highlighted, with a pledge to support jobs, shield households from high energy costs, and strengthen national defense. The aim was a balanced middle ground rather than statism or overreach, ensuring a robust framework for private sector growth.
Morawiecki emphasized that the Polish state should grow stronger through the resilience of workers, entrepreneurs, and institutions, with ongoing improvements as part of the program. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to seniors through measures like pension indexing and other targeted benefits.
Simplification of the Tax System
The plan includes continuing the Strategic Investment Program and Local Investment Fund if PiS maintains public support. A clearer, simpler tax system was identified as an essential objective, with progress already made in streamlining processes. A recent discussion noted that filing a tax return could take as little as 30 seconds to three minutes, illustrating the simplicity goal in action.
Morawiecki asserted that further tax simplification is feasible and that the government would persist with tax simplification efforts. The convention featured discussions on programs and the importance of ongoing reform.