The discussion centers on Donald Tusk and his latest pledge, with PiS MEP Tomasz Poręba criticizing the history of promises during Tusk’s six years in power. Poręba argues that many commitments were never fulfilled and challenges the feasibility of Tusk’s proposal to introduce benefits for grandmothers. Marlena Maląg, who leads the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, weighed in on the proposal, offering a public reaction from the government side.
Tusk’s grandmother’s allowance
The proposal presented on a Thursday by Donald Tusk, now a leader of a major political group, calls for a monthly grandmother’s allowance of PLN 1,500 for every mother who returns to work after maternity leave. The aim is to help cover childcare costs and support families as they navigate the balance between work and home life.
There is a media note highlighting a campaign line, suggesting that the policy could be extended to nursery care and caregiving support, with the grandmother figure used as a symbolic touchstone in the messaging around family benefits.
“Donald Tusk promises again”
Urgent commentary follows the renewed pledge, reiterating the concern that promises made over the previous six years have not all come to fruition, sparking questions about credibility in the current campaign cycle.
In social media threads, Poręba stated that the scale of promises from Tusk is large, yet questioned the likelihood of receiving such commitments as described. He also cited ten past pledges from Tusk and the platform he led, listing items like tax relief, government streamlining, VAT adjustments, reforms in the KRUS system, and changes in the mining sector and pensions as examples of promises deemed ambitious or unmet by supporters of the opposing side.
“Donald Tusk can promise a lot”
Observers note that in the election arena, Tusk may again set out bold plans such as the grandmother initiative and a stance against raising the retirement age. Marlena Maląg offered remarks on Thursday that reflected skepticism about the timing and realism of such campaign promises, reminding the public of the record during the previous administration from 2007 to 2015. Her comments came as a response to Tusk’s latest remarks and the broader debate around family policy and pensions.
The government, represented by the party in power, asserted support for Polish families through existing programs like 500plus and Kapital Opiekuńczy, framed as ongoing commitments from the current administration. Maląg added that the government continues to back family policy initiatives and that the current actions underscore a practical approach rather than empty rhetoric.
Additional commentary from Maląg emphasized that Tusk’s proposal involves a measured and modest monthly payment, while linking it to the broader framework that already includes other forms of support for families, such as the 500plus program and the caregiving capital, with a view toward stabilizing family finances and encouraging work participation.
“It’s been working for a year now.”
Barbara Socha, the government’s demographic policy representative, highlighted on social platforms that certain caregiving and pension-related measures have already been in operation for a period of time. She described the existing packages as a combination of direct cash support and pension contributions adjustments, presenting them as proof of the government’s ongoing commitment to family and demographic goals. Socha also referenced a potential link between the retirement age and the time spent with grandchildren, framing the policy discussions within the context of demographic considerations and family life in Poland.
The public discourse continues with ongoing updates from party spokespeople, who reiterate the government’s stance on family support and the importance of stable, tangible benefits for households. The exchange reflects a broader political conversation about how to balance promises with proven policy measures that can be implemented and sustained over time.
kk/PAP