Leszek Balcerowicz calls for cuts to 800 plus and pensions

Former Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Leszek Balcerowicz has called for significant cuts to social spending to address Poland’s high public deficit and rising debt servicing costs. Balcerowicz specifically advocated for the abolition of the ‘800 plus’ child benefit program, arguing that it lacks economic justification, does not effectively support economic development, and that existing family benefits already serve a similar purpose.

In addition to the child benefit program, Balcerowicz proposed eliminating the 13th and 14th pension payments. He criticized the current state of public finances, noting that Poland’s social spending levels are among the highest in Europe, trailing only countries like Italy, Austria, and Belgium.

Balcerowicz also directed criticism toward current Finance Minister Andrzej Domański, suggesting that Domański should resign due to the ‘avalanche-like’ increase in debt servicing costs during his tenure. He warned that high deficits and perceived ‘populist’ spending patterns ultimately place a heavy burden on taxpayers.