In Łódź, a gathering of Civic Platform supporters unfolded as Donald Tusk framed Poland’s next chapter around renewal and rebuilding after the era of PiS. He opened by offering gratitude for the efforts of supporters in recent days and hours as they work toward the ambitious project of reconstruction, renewal, and rebirth in Poland following PiS’s departure from power.
Poland’s renewal and rebirth
The gathering in Łódź marked the start of a nationwide series of events orchestrated by KO politicians, with more than a hundred meetings across thirty-one cities in the Łódź Voivodeship. Tusk described a program aimed at broad participation, beginning with the Łódź region and its first program edition, which has already drawn strong interest and excitement. A key feature is a zero-percent loan designed for young people and adults up to 45 who wish to purchase their own apartment.
He highlighted the desire to stay and build a life in Poland, in cities like Łódź, Pabianice, and Tomaszów. Many people want to raise families here, to live their dreams in their homeland, rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Those who seek to disrupt dreams and hopes
Tusk stressed that securing a home is a fundamental step toward realizing personal goals. He dismissed criticisms from hostile voices that label the proposal as unrealistic or overly costly. The notion of housing as a basic right, not a privilege or mere commodity, was presented as a core principle of the program.
He argued for a Poland that feels like a typical European country, where a family with two earners can obtain a mortgage with favorable terms, and where state support can help with building or renting homes. The zero-percent loan was described as a practical mechanism to make this right a reality, rather than a giveaway or ideological gesture.
The message was clear: a solid, workable approach is needed to help Polish families achieve their housing dreams while ensuring fiscal responsibility and avoiding burdening the national budget beyond the bounds of the public resources the program is designed to leverage.
According to Tusk, the plan is ambitious but minimalist in its core obligation: to give families a real chance to realize a home ownership goal without excessive financial strain. If people can secure a home, their outlook for the future improves and trust in the country’s direction grows.
He urged the audience to adopt the motto, “The future is here,” suggesting that with a home, a brighter future becomes tangible for many Polish families. He cited extensive discussions with Polish households, noting that concerns about children leaving the country arise frequently in dialogue during outreach events.
His reply was resolute: families will stay and thrive if they are given a fair chance to live well in Poland, and the KO leadership intends to stand by this commitment, contrasting it with the current administration’s approach.
What PiS has taken in a year
Tusk acknowledged skepticism around the program but asserted that it can be implemented safely. He argued that the state would support the loan via refinanced interest and that, from a budgetary perspective, the program is demanding yet not risky. This support, he noted, would come from the equity of the guarantee fund and related mechanisms rather than a blank check for spenders.
The leadership anticipated substantial upfront backing, estimating several billion złoty in the first year through public financing structures. He invited comparisons to current corporate profits to illustrate the scale of the undertaking and to emphasize that proper management could enable significant housing expansion without inflating ongoing costs beyond the levels associated with PiS’s annual activities.
The discussion extended to the use of European funds, including potential allocations from the KPO and the Cohesion Fund, to bolster apartment revitalization and renovation efforts. The aim was to channel substantial capital into upgrading existing housing stock, improving the conditions for residents, and ensuring homes meet modern living standards.
Tusk described revitalization and renovation as both a service to local governments and an opportunity to deploy a PLN 10 billion fund for broader improvements. More importantly, the plan would integrate ongoing renovations into the zero-percent loan program to ensure long-term suitability and livability of housing stock.
Renovation remains essential
Anyone familiar with Łódź, Pabianice, or Silesia would recognize that reconstruction is still needed. Poland’s postwar rebuild also demanded ongoing care and updates to housing to maintain livability. Piotr Tusk emphasized that continuous renovations are essential to provide stable homes and prevent the need for constant new construction solely to meet demand.
During a discussion in Brzeziny, attention shifted to the CPK project and related issues such as expropriations and the treatment of residents. The broader point was that a balanced, fair approach must guide large-scale investments to protect households while pursuing development goals.
He recalled the broader experience of Poland becoming a major construction site in the postwar era and noted that while protests occurred, fair compensation was provided. The comparison underlined the importance of transparent, just processes when large investments affect local communities and property rights.
Visitors to different towns and cities heard concerns about rising utility costs and the impact on small businesses. The message was that the new program would respond to these pressures and support households without breaking the budget or harming the economy.
What has been done to our homeland?
The discussion touched on local initiatives and the role of local action groups across Poland, emphasizing the need for prudent use of European funds. It was argued that no party should divert these resources for political gain, and that responsible stewardship of European money is essential for sustaining community projects and regional development.
In Łódź and beyond, the focus remained on preserving the integrity of local communities while pursuing opportunity. The message was clear: the KO stands ready to assume responsibility for a transformative shift in Poland this fall, offering a path toward renewed hope and practical progress for families across the country.
In closing, there was a firm pledge to pursue victory in the autumn elections and to carry out the changes promised to the Polish people. The pledge reflected a sense of duty and readiness to take charge of Poland’s future again, with the aim of delivering tangible improvements for households and communities alike.
— The tone throughout remained highly emotive, underscoring promises and populist themes that some observers view with skepticism, while others see as a call for meaningful change.