Donald Tusk pledges support for Kraków metro and tourist fee reforms

During a visit to Kraków to support mayoral candidate Monika Piątkowska, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced government support for the construction of a metro system in the city. Tusk rejected pessimistic timelines suggesting construction might not begin until 2045, stating that funds for the investment process could be available “od ręki” (immediately).

The financing for the metro is intended to be achieved through a “financial assembly” (montaż finansowy), utilizing European Union funds alongside loans and credit from state institutions like Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, rather than relying solely on the central budget. The central segment of the metro is estimated to cost approximately 7.6 billion PLN.

Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed changes to the planned tourist fee. While current drafts suggest municipalities would receive 80% of the revenue, Tusk advocated for 100% of the collected funds to remain with local governments to help cover infrastructure and service costs associated with tourism. The fee would be collected from guests in hotels and other lodging facilities, with local councils determining the amount and providing exemptions for children under 16 and hospital patients.