Debate in Końskie. Tax increase, contribution reduction. Candidates respond

Debate in Końskie

During the debate held on Friday in Końskie, candidates for the President of the Republic of Poland were queried on various topics, including their stance on tax increases in light of escalating security threats and their willingness to endorse a law aimed at reducing health insurance contributions. Additionally, they were asked about the prohibition of alcohol sales at gas stations.

Magdalena Biejat, representing the Left, stated that the government allocates sufficient funds for defense but emphasized the need for more strategic expenditure. She argued for increased investment in research and development, while also advocating for the elimination of perks for the wealthiest and the establishment of a just taxation system.

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Szymon Hołownia, the candidate from the Third Way and current Speaker of the Sejm, noted that a significant portion of the National Reconstruction Plan’s budget will be directed towards research and development. He pointed out that funding should be sourced from banks, which, according to him, „generate 40 billion a year and are hoarding cash instead of injecting it into the Polish economy.”

Marek Jakubiak (Free Republicans) asserted that as president, he would not endorse any legislation that increases taxes. He believes that expenditure on officials should be reduced and remarked that „Western corporations in Poland pay no taxes whatsoever.”

Maciej Maciak (leader of the Prosperity and Peace Movement) claimed that wartime equipment „is merely scrap” and that its prices are unreasonably inflated compared to production costs. He stressed that it would suffice to implement a regulation preventing overpricing on equipment.

Karol Nawrocki, backed by PiS, responded to the question regarding tax hikes for defense by stating that alternative means of generating funds exist. „This is not the sole option for increasing defense spending,” he asserted. He added that he supports allocating 5 percent of GDP towards the Polish military.

Civic Coalition candidate Rafał Trzaskowski emphasized the significance of removing defense spending from debt limits. He also highlighted the critical role of EU funds entering Poland to bolster the defense sector, including the East Shield initiative, which will generate financial opportunities for Polish firms.

Changes to health insurance premiums?

When asked in the next segment of the debate about his willingness to sign the act that reduces health insurance contributions for entrepreneurs (a measure recently passed by the Sejm), Trzaskowski responded affirmatively, citing assurances from the Minister of Finance that it would not impose additional costs on health expenditure, specifically the National Health Fund’s budget. „We need to ease the burden on entrepreneurs, while simultaneously reforming healthcare,” he remarked.

Krzysztof Stanowski, on the other hand, predicted that after a reduction in premiums, patients might face long wait times for appointments or tests.

Joanna Senyszyn expressed that it is unjust for an entrepreneur to pay less than PLN 300 in health insurance while a full-time employee is obligated to pay several thousand.

Karol Nawrocki noted that no administration has succeeded in reforming the healthcare system to a point where everyone is satisfied. However, he believes the current situation is worse than ever, as evidenced by the increasing wait times for medical consultations. He stated that he would not support a law that reduces health insurance contributions.

Conversely, Maciej Maciak advocated for adjustments to the regulations in this regard. „The same contribution as in the UK is the maximum. That would help us emerge from the current predicament,” he stated. He previously clarified that in the UK, health contributions vary from PLN 60 to PLN 300.

Marek Jakubiak expressed his intention to sign the act on reducing contributions. „This is the light at the end of the tunnel,” he assessed, adding that this should not be the full extent of commitments to entrepreneurs, and that funding for healthcare should primarily come from the budget.

Szymon Hołownia also supports changes to the health insurance contributions. „Of course, I would endorse such a law,” he remarked.

Magdalena Biejat opposed such measures, stating, „Poland allocates 5 percent of GDP to healthcare, while the European average is 10 percent,” she highlighted.

Ban on selling alcohol at gas stations

The presidential candidates were also queried on whether they would endorse legislation prohibiting alcohol sales at gas stations. Magdalena Biejat, Szymon Hołownia, and Maciej Maciak expressed their support for such regulations.

Marek Jakubiak suggested that the issue is not about alcohol availability, but rather its pricing. He indicated the necessity of establishing a minimum price for alcohol in retail outlets.

– I take a libertarian stance on this matter – Karol Nawrocki responded. He acknowledged that „alcohol abuse is indeed a societal issue,” but maintained that he advocates for promoting prevention and a healthy lifestyle. Joanna Senyszyn mentioned that she would present such a bill to the Constitutional Tribunal. „I would carefully consider whether it aligns with the constitution. This is a complex issue, as the ban

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