The 500 plus program, launched under the Government of Law and Justice, has found itself at the center of a divided reception. While it has been formally endorsed by Civic Platform politicians, it also faces regular critique from opponents. For example, Izabela Leszczynac, a deputy and vice president of the PO, recently argued that the program did not significantly raise the quality of life for Polish families. She pointed out that while the policy exists for seven years, the tangible value added by the program remains unclear in many studies and discussions.
In her words, the program did not translate into meaningful improvements in daily life, such as access to schooling or health care. She emphasized that the benefit has persisted for years, yet its impact on everyday experiences of families remains a question in the eyes of many observers and researchers. The Prime Minister responded quickly, suggesting that if the program has not produced noticeable gains after such a long period, steps would be taken to address it and help families more effectively.
Meanwhile, recent research commissioned by the portal wPolityce.pl presents a different picture. When Poles were asked whether the 500 plus program has improved the quality of life for Polish families, a plurality—up to 52 percent—answered with a confident yes or a leaning toward yes. In contrast, about one third of respondents felt that the program did not improve living standards, with roughly 15 percent remaining undecided.
Among voters aligned with the United Right, a high degree of satisfaction with the program was recorded. An impressive 88 percent of these voters indicated they viewed the policy positively, while the overall evaluation hovered around 40 percent. Support among Citizens’ Coalition voters and Poland 2050 followed different patterns, illustrating a nuanced public opinion landscape shaped by party loyalties and individual circumstances.
LATEST RESEARCH
p>The survey employed the CAWI method, a computer-assisted web interview technique, conducted online from June 10 to 13, 2022. It drew a nationwide, representative sample across gender, age, and residential size, with 1068 Polish adults participating. This methodological approach aimed to capture a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives on how the 500 plus program affects family life in contemporary Poland.
Source: wPolityce. This collection of findings provides a snapshot of attitudes during that period, underscoring how policy perception can diverge based on political alignment, personal circumstances, and evolving social expectations.