The parliamentary elections scheduled for October 15 mark a decisive moment, presenting voters with two competing visions for Poland. One represents a country united in solidarity, a perspective the government aims to advance. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that the party intends to press forward with this vision, acknowledging past missteps for which apologies are due, while stressing that inaction carries its own consequences.
<p Late in the evening, the head of government summarized the day in a live Facebook broadcast, inviting followers to join daily briefings in the future.
The weight of choice
With the president naming October 15 as the election date, a countdown has begun. The prime minister framed the polls as crucial choices between two starkly different paths for Poland.
He described one trajectory as a Poland rooted in solidarity, drawing not only on the legacy of the Solidarity movement but also on enduring principles of social cohesion. This is the country Morawiecki envisions and intends to continue, even as challenges arise and mistakes occur—mistakes for which he has apologized. He reiterated the idea that taking no action is, in his view, a kind of failure in itself.
He also stressed the importance of approaching current challenges with openness. Speaking personally, Morawiecki pledged full availability during the campaign, inviting people to share concerns, proposals, dreams, fears, and reflections about Poland. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear from citizens and promised to answer a portion of audience questions during each broadcast, aiming for these meetings to become a regular feature.
Additionally, he underscored the aim of discussing Poland’s role in Europe, highlighting the significance of the country’s position within the European family. He described it as a rare moment in history when Poland holds a prominent and influential standing among European states and asserted that such an opportunity is unique in the nation’s recent memory.
Weber, Tusk, and the European stage
When asked about a potential debate with Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s Party group, Morawiecki suggested that Weber and certain German voices have influenced the Civic Platform and Donald Tusk’s campaign. He asserted that those positions are guided by parties abroad and that some past decisions, such as property sales in the late 2000s to 2014, benefited foreign interests more than Polish citizens.
The prime minister also commented on the removal of the open pension fund system and described that move as unprecedented. He affirmed his readiness to engage in dialogue with Weber and awaited Weber’s response.
On the issue of family policy, Morawiecki described improvements for Polish households in recent years. He cited measures designed to ease daily life for families—such as care for children, flexible working arrangements, and initiatives to attract investment that can lead to better, well-paying jobs. He also mentioned direct support in the form of various allowances, including programs similar to 500 plus and the expected 800 plus, alongside support for new parents.
The prime minister highlighted how net salaries have risen thanks to a tax framework that includes an unprecedented tax-free allowance and reductions in the tax rate. He noted that for a worker who earned around PLN 4,000 five to six years ago, current take-home pay has increased by several hundred zlotys, reflecting the impact of these policy changes.
He also responded to a citizen’s online comment, which framed the October 15 choice as a decision between Poland’s independence and a perceived alignment with German and Russian interests proposed by the Civic Platform. Morawiecki thanked the commenter, calling it a fundamental difference between the United Right and the opposition, and he criticized what he described as the Platform’s approach to energy policy, including concerns about gas dependence on Russia. He urged Poles to verify facts, arguing that evidence supports his government’s narrative.
The prime minister acknowledged that much has changed, but he warned that in the heat of political competition some details can be overlooked. He urged voters to examine data and to compare outcomes, insisting that facts are on his side when it comes to the administration’s performance.
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Source: wPolityce