Biznes Fakty
Tusk: Poland has joined the club of billionaire countries
„Poland has just entered an elite group of billionaire nations,” Donald Tusk declared at a press briefing prior to the Council of Ministers meeting commencing on Tuesday. „This is certainly not our last word,” the Prime Minister concluded.
„I have two pieces of positive news,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated during a press conference that launched Tuesday’s Council of Ministers meeting. „It has finally been confirmed. Truly historic. Poland has just become a member of this very select club of billionaire countries,” the Prime Minister remarked.
„I recognize these are abstract figures and it’s challenging to grasp something like a trillion,” Tusk noted, mentioning there are only twenty such nations among 195 worldwide. „This is certainly not our last word,” the Prime Minister concluded.
„We surpass all competitors effortlessly”
Donald Tusk also pointed out that data from the Central Statistical Office released on Monday indicated that Poland’s Gross Domestic Product rose by 3.4% in the second quarter of this year.
– We are experiencing this growth, which is among the highest in Europe, and compared to major economies, not just in Europe, Poland is, I would say, unmatched with a growth rate of 3.4 (percent of GDP – PAP) – stated the Prime Minister.
„Disposable income is at an unprecedented high”
The Prime Minister further mentioned that the rise in real disposable income per capita from the end of 2023 to the end of the first quarter of 2025—meaning the average amount of money available to each citizen after all mandatory deductions—is „truly record-breaking.” „We are significantly ahead of everyone else,” Tusk asserted.
– People (in Poland – ed.) have witnessed an unprecedented increase in their disposable income compared to all other developed nations – the Prime Minister clarified.
„It may not be apparent, but I can’t help myself. I must show it,” Tusk continued, displaying the paper with the chart he was holding to the camera. „That’s at the top; that’s Poland,” he emphasized.
„I have a small gift—you can guess who it’s for,” the Prime Minister added. He pointed to Poland at the very top of the chart, and then at the very bottom, the indicator for the growth of real disposable income per capita in Germany. „And here’s Germany,” he noted.
Prime Minister showing real disposable income per capita in Germany compared to other countries TVN24„And Sweden is even in the negative,” Donald Tusk remarked. „So we all have cause for satisfaction, and I feel particularly strongly about it,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Changes in the issuance of driving licenses
On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers will deliberate on a proposed regulation that would allow 17-year-olds to apply for a driving license, as well as impose mandatory helmet use for children under 16 when riding bicycles and electric scooters.
The draft amendment to the Road Traffic Law suggests reinstating the issuance of category B driving licenses to individuals over 17 years old who have received written consent from their parents or guardians. This aims to enhance the mobility of young people and thereby help reduce the issue of road exclusion.
The legislation also introduces a probationary period and conditions for revoking driving licenses issued to so-called young drivers. During this probation, young drivers are prohibited from consuming alcohol or any substances with similar effects, exceeding speed limits of 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 100 km/h on highways and dual carriageways, as well as from transporting passengers by taxi or in the context of occasional transport.
A driver in this probationary phase may only carry individuals under 18 if accompanied by an adult passenger with experience, which aims to prevent accidents involving young people returning from events.
Requirement for helmets for children under 16 on bicycles and scooters
Changes in road traffic regulations are also expected to impact helmet use. The Ministry of Infrastructure intends to mandate that children under 16 wear helmets while riding bicycles and electric scooters.
Another modification allows drivers to reduce penalty points for serious violations through training. Currently, a registered driver may participate in training every six months at their own expense, which reduces the total number of penalty points.
The proposed regulation also stipulates the revocation of a driving license for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h on a single-carriageway two-way road outside urban areas.
