Polish Leader Addresses Youth Migration and Family Policy in Bialystok
Recent years have seen intensified government messaging aimed at encouraging young Poles to stay, start families, and invest in the future. In Bialystok, Donald Tusk, the Civic Coalition leader, highlighted that the Podlaskie region faces particularly troubling birth and death statistics, underscoring demographic challenges that affect the entire country.
During a Friday gathering of the Civic Coalition club as part of the Here is the Future campaign, Tusk spoke about the need for a clear national strategy. He argued that Podlaskie is influenced heavily by population dynamics and noted that the region’s future depends on how policy makers respond to these trends.
The discussion centered on what a responsible government should do to restore confidence among young people about their prospects. Tusk referenced forecasts suggesting that in seven decades the country could have around ten million fewer citizens than today, a projection that elevates the urgency of reforming family and youth policies.
According to Tusk, recent years have seen concerted efforts from the state to encourage emigration among young Poles. He added that any party seeking power must answer what the Polish state can do to motivate young people to choose family life and stability at home.
The PO leader pointed out that many municipalities lack a nursery, noting that roughly half of Polish municipalities do not provide this essential service. He argued that every locality should have a crèche, explaining that the absence of child care contributes to concerns among young Polish women about their futures as the state appears to neglect them.
Critique of Border Policy
Tusk described border policy as a significant communication failure that has taken on a bleak dimension in Podlaskie following border closures with Belarus. He stressed that while Poland must maintain a firm stance toward the Lukashenko regime, the approach to border control has been chaotic and inconsistent. In Podlaskie, border crossings with Belarus have been shut, hindering family connections and hurting local businesses, whereas in Lubelskie and Lithuania those crossings remain open, illustrating policy misalignment.
He questioned why the government could not implement a coherent border closure strategy with adequate support for those affected. In his view, planning for closures should include aid for communities and individuals who would lose access to cross-border ties and markets.
Tusk insisted that Podlaskie is among the most welcoming places in the country because it has long hosted diverse communities living together in harmony. He framed this as a core strength of the region and a model for the nation, arguing that social cohesion should be a central objective of any government program.
However, he drew attention to ongoing tensions with local officials who oppose political opponents visiting certain towns. He highlighted the need for open dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints as Poland strives toward unity.
According to Tusk, the best description of Podlaskie is a place where equal rights and equal opportunities are supposed to be a given for every citizen. He framed this as a moral imperative and a benchmark for a future-oriented government that prioritizes inclusion and shared prosperity.
He asserted that a robust rebuilding of the community requires a decisive shift that should become evident in the autumn elections. The message was clear: political renewal is essential to address demographic decline and strengthen social cohesion across the country.
The last portion of his remarks touched on the political memory and policy past. He suggested that a strong, liberal approach has to reconcile with more conservative instincts to respond effectively to emerging challenges. The discussion underscored a broader political debate about how best to balance openness with stability in shaping Poland’s future.
In summarizing the visit, the campaign emphasized a call for electoral engagement to shape policy directions that support families, communities, and regional development. The dialogue aimed to connect national policy with local realities in Podlaskie and other regions facing similar demographic pressures.
— The coverage reflects ongoing commentary in national political circles and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement as Poland navigates demographic and social change. The discussion also noted that policymakers must remain attentive to the unique needs of border regions while pursuing a consistent, humane approach to governance. The report draws on contemporary reporting and public statements related to the Here is the Future campaign and the Civic Coalition’s regional outreach across Poland.