The storm around subsidies
The education and science minister insisted to Radio ZET that resignation was not on the horizon. He praised the so-called villa plus program, describing it as a thoroughly developed and well-executed initiative, while disputing claims about subsidies as being blown out of proportion by political opponents.
Poland saw investments in a range of educational projects, including a piano funded at the MDK in Nałęczów for 650,000 zlotys, and a coaching project in Ostrów Lubelski for 750,000 zlotys intended to transport children to educational activities. The aim, according to officials, was to ensure access to educational infrastructure across the country, with local governments invited to participate if they were willing. Critics from different political factions argued that this amounted to a large-scale distribution of funds, totaling 5.2 billion zlotys.
The minister described the situation as a storm created by a pair of politicians who he said were unfairly targeting these associations and foundations. He also signaled that legal actions could follow as part of a broader response.
Lawyers were noted to be preparing documents in several cases that could stem from these developments, as stated by the minister who leads the education portfolio.
Referring to a survey conducted by IBRiS for Rzeczpospolita, in which 55 percent of respondents believed the villa plus affair should end with the minister’s resignation, the minister asserted that he had solid support within his party and coalition. He added that personal support in difficult times was a source of satisfaction and reiterated that his role was to work, not to seek popularity.
With the mud thrown his way, he claimed, comes a sense of reassurance from political allies who stand by him in his duties.
“Lex Czarnek” or left-wing solutions?
The head of the ministry also commented on a remark by the president’s adviser, who called the so‑called lex Czarnek a set of left-wing solutions. The minister dismissed the description as inconsistent with his policy direction.
He noted he had not had formal discussions with the adviser and did not know the adviser’s political activity. There was mention of past lists and political alignments, but the minister suggested that indoctrination concerns should not be conflated with the current agenda. He contrasted this with what he described as the Western world’s approach to education and youth, including a referenced incident abroad where a student faced consequences in a Catholic school in Canada after discussing relationships.
The minister emphasized that the focus remained on how to shield students from ideological pressures while maintaining core educational goals.
Draft law on teachers’ pensions
The minister expressed confidence that a bill restoring teachers’ pensions would be developed in the first half of the year. He indicated that consultations with teachers’ unions were underway regarding reinstating the pension after decades of teaching and service. He argued that pension restoration was necessary to address demographic shifts affecting schools in the coming years, projecting up to half a million fewer students in the system.
According to the minister, restoring this right would ease employment pressures on teachers and help stabilize the education sector in the near term.
The minister discussed the need to respond to changing demographics and ensure a sustainable teaching workforce, noting that pension restoration would align with longer-term planning for schools and staffing.
The use of mobile phones in schools
The discussion also covered policies on mobile devices in schools. The minister voiced strong opposition to using phones during lessons and breaks, particularly in primary schools, and suggested that a clear position could be announced before the election. He proposed that students might store devices in lockers on school premises.
Peers in the Children’s and Youth Council endorsed a boundary, advocating for a policy framework to regulate device use and enable schools to ban private devices when necessary. The minister argued for a nationwide, unequivocal regulation that would balance modern opportunities with potential risks.
Asked for his personal view, he repeated his stance against mobile phone use during teaching time and breaks, especially for younger students, and indicated a clear decision could come before the electoral period. He defended the approach as reflecting the wishes of children and young people from across Poland and expressed appreciation that steps were being taken to limit device use in classrooms and hallways.
In his view, a firm policy would be beneficial and timely, potentially appealing to younger voters while aligning with the broader educational framework.
Money for raises
The conversation also touched on funding for university staff beyond academic teachers. The minister urged principals to consider salary increases for all employees where warranted, stressing that senior university leadership should support fair compensation across the board.
When asked whether rectors should initiate raises, the minister responded that decision-making in universities rests with the rector and the university council, following the institution’s statutes. He added that if administrators did not provide raises, staff should appeal to the rector directly.
Public universities are reported to hold substantial funds for investments and salary adjustments, including for non-teaching staff, with many institutions already distributing pay raises to administrative personnel. The minister encouraged rectors to act promptly to ensure fair compensation for university workers who are not faculty members.
In summary, the minister emphasized the financial capabilities of Poland’s universities and the importance of timely, fair remuneration for all university staff as part of maintaining a robust and effective higher education system.