President Duda pledges to defend Poland’s recent achievements while outlining future ambitions
In his opening address to the Sejm for its tenth term, President Andrzej Duda affirmed his intent to preserve the notable achievements of the preceding two terms. He highlighted policy milestones such as the 500 plus program and the plan to reduce retirement age, noting that these measures benefited families and workers alike. The president’s remarks drew attention from opposition MPs and sparked widespread discussion about the direction of Poland’s social support framework.
Speaking on the record, the head of state underscored a commitment to safeguard the most consequential gains of the past eight years. He described this period as eight prosperous years for Poland, marked by resilience in the face of serious challenges. The pandemic and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine were cited as tests that Poland weathered without compromising financial stability, currency integrity, or employment levels. This stability, he argued, successfully underpins continued support for families and social programs, including 500 plus and its forthcoming 800 plus extension, as well as ongoing efforts to adjust the retirement age and to bolster pensioners and other vulnerable groups.
The president also recalled key infrastructure projects that shaped Poland’s energy and transport landscape, including the Baltic Pipe. He posed a reflective question about how the nation’s situation would have evolved without major gas infrastructure developments, underscoring the strategic value of gas interconnectors and the Baltic Pipe in ensuring energy security.
Further ahead, the president charted ambitious national plans. Among them was the construction of the Central Communications Port, envisioned as a new Polish gateway to the world in the aviation sector and as a catalyst for rail modernization that would connect Poland’s furthest regions. Another cornerstone is the construction of Polish nuclear power plants, seen as essential for strengthening energy security and meeting climate commitments. An additional strategic aim involves expanding Polish ports, including the creation of a container port in Świnoujście, to enhance trade capacity and regional connectivity.
In this context, the president affirmed his role as guardian and patron of these initiatives, pledging to ensure their implementation and to oversee their progress as part of Poland’s future development trajectory.
The broader session and oath of office for the Sejm’s tenth term were accompanied by commentary on national priorities. Observers noted that the president’s emphasis on protecting social programs did not receive unanimous support from all opposition groups, and online discussions reflected a range of opinions about governance and policy direction. Some voices questioned the practicality or funding of proposed measures, while others stressed the importance of social safety nets during times of economic stress. The public discourse illustrated a lively engagement with the questions of how best to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare commitments.
Source: wPolityce