The central challenge highlighted by Marlena Maląg, Poland’s Minister of Family and Social Policy, is reversing worrying shifts in demographic policy. She described an aging society and warned that there is no simple generational replacement on the horizon, a concern she conveyed to PAP as the core hurdle in shaping social policy today.
We don’t have generational replacement
When questioned by PAP about the most pressing issue in social policy, Maląg reaffirmed that the primary obstacle is reversing the negative demographic trends. She recalled the lingering effects of earlier privatization periods, marked by high unemployment and uncertain prospects that deterred young people from starting families. She underscored the ministry’s duty to reverse these trends and to advance a clear, step-by-step plan within the framework of the planned Demographic Strategy.
– She added, emphasizing that consistency and targeted actions would guide the policy’s execution.
Today, poverty does not have the face of a child
Asked about further challenges, the minister responded that the long-term social policy trajectory, begun by the government coalition, aims to uphold the dignity of all citizens. The focus is on families, households with children, and seniors, with a view toward a holistic, integrated approach to policy. Maląg stressed that the situation has improved markedly since 2015.
Contemporary statistics, including those from European agencies, indicate a markedly lower risk of extreme poverty in Poland relative to many EU peers, illustrating progress in the social contract. The minister highlighted that a modern state must protect those who need support while remaining vigilant against misuse of funds, recalling periods of financial leakage seen in the past. Her message was that a steady, predictable family policy is essential so that young people can depend on state guarantees.
Opposition undecided
Maląg acknowledged the uncertainty about whether Poland’s government will be shaped by liberal-left parties in the next cycle. She noted that various groups advocating for power differ greatly in their approach to benefits and direct family support, such as 800+, 13th and 14th pensions, or alternative indexing schemes. Some voices propose modifying or replacing existing measures, raising questions about eligibility and scope for families where parents are employed. The minister stressed that these debates point to deeper choices about how social programs should be structured to support Polish households.
Maląg also asserted that the ongoing reform of social programs has already redefined the daily lives of many families, making the current framework more robust and more attuned to real needs. She argued that the direction set by the government should preserve dignity and ensure meaningful development for households across the country.
Dignity policies are very important
On wages and living standards, the minister asserted that dignity in work remains a core priority. She emphasized investments in Polish families as a forward-looking strategy designed to raise living standards and secure a stable future. Maląg indicated that the policy’s resilience is crucial, especially in times of political change, and that the state will strive to preserve these commitments regardless of which party forms the next government.
She asserted that the government must stay true to its promises to support families while ensuring that public funds are used responsibly. The central aim, she said, is to sustain policies that lift the everyday conditions of households and reinforce the social safety net during transitions between administrations.
Maląg affirmed that the governing coalition has consistently prioritized the well-being of Polish families and will continue to defend those gains as long as the political environment permits. The focus remains on stable, dignified policies that empower families and strengthen Poland’s demographic resilience.
– Marlena Maląg noted.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce