A recent survey conducted by United Surveys for the Wirtualna Polska portal examined Polish attitudes toward the future of the government’s social programs, notably the so‑called 500 plus family benefits. The findings suggest a significant portion of Poles worry that if the opposition takes power in the autumn elections, the continuation of these programs could be jeopardized. The study sheds light on how voters perceive the durability of social policies once political leadership shifts hands and whether such programs are viewed as permanent fixtures or as tools subject to political recalibration.
The poll delves into whether voters believe the opposition, should it win a parliamentary mandate, would preserve PiS‑era social initiatives that have been in place since 2016, or whether there would be changes to the retirement age and other welfare measures. In this context, the public’s expectations reveal a broad spectrum of opinions about the commitment of a hypothetical future government to maintain or modify these programs. The survey captures not just a binary view of support or opposition, but a nuanced range of beliefs about policy continuity after an electoral turnover.
According to the data, a portion of respondents—nearly a quarter—expressed concern that the 500 plus benefits would be dissolved if the opposition entered government. A similar share indicated skepticism that the current opposition would keep these programs intact after gaining power. These figures point to a climate of uncertainty among voters about the long‑term fate of welfare measures that many households rely on for household budgeting, child care, and family planning decisions.
Conversely, a sizable segment of the population anticipates that the opposition would maintain PiS’s social framework following a potential electoral victory. About one in five respondents said they were confident that the benefits would be preserved, while roughly one quarter leaned toward keeping them with a degree of caution. A smaller portion admitted uncertainty or ambivalence, highlighting the persistent ambiguity around how a change in government could affect established social policy commitments.
The survey also reveals that a small percentage, around five percent, were unable to provide a definite answer or chose to withhold a judgment. This indicates that despite the presence of clear party platforms, a notable share of the electorate remains undecided or uncertain about how social policy would evolve under different political leadership in the near term.
The breakdown by party supporters adds a layer of complexity. Among supporters of the United Right, confidence in the maintenance of social programs appeared to be relatively low, with a majority expressing doubt about continued funding and governance of the programs if the opposition were to win. In contrast, voters who favor the opposition tended to hold a more favorable view of the likelihood that these initiatives would be kept in place, though a minority still doubted or remained uncertain about the specifics of policy continuity.
The United Surveys study employed a mixed methodology, combining telephone interviews and online responses, to reach a representative sample of one thousand Poles. The data collection occurred over February 17–19, 2023, providing a snapshot of public sentiment at that time. The results reflect how Polish citizens weigh long‑running social programs against the potential for political change and whether policy continuity is seen as a matter of party allegiance or a broader public interest in welfare stability.
In assessing the implications, observers note that trust in government programs often hinges on perceived reliability, practical outcomes for families, and the clarity of policy commitments. The reported opinions illustrate that voters are paying attention to the continuation of benefits that influence daily life, childcare costs, and household budgeting, and they weigh these considerations alongside other political priorities. The survey therefore contributes to a larger conversation about how sustained social protections interact with elections, governance credibility, and the electorate’s expectations for fiscal responsibility.
All findings referenced here come from United Surveys as reported for Wirtualna Polska, reflecting the attitudes of a broad cross‑section of Polish voters during the indicated period. While the data offers a specific moment in time, it also highlights enduring questions about how welfare programs weather political transitions and what that means for families that depend on them. End of report.