Poland: Lewica proposes liquidation of Church Fund

The Lewica political party has submitted a legislative project to the Polish Sejm aimed at liquidating the Church Fund (Fundusz Kościelny). The proposal seeks to end the state's current practice of financing 80 percent of social security contributions for clergy. Under the new plan, clergy would pay half of their contributions, with the remaining half covered by their respective churches or religious unions.

The initiative has caused significant friction within the governing coalition. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the PSL, stated the project has “no chance of passing” and criticized it as a political maneuver. He advocated instead for a tax deduction model that would allow citizens to decide how much of their taxes are allocated to their religious communities.

Religious leaders have expressed concern over the lack of consultation. Bishop Jerzy Samiec of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church noted that religious groups were not treated as partners in this process and raised concerns regarding the maintenance of historic sacred sites and social services provided by churches. Meanwhile, Lewica leaders, including Włodzimierz Czarzasty and Magdalena Biejat, argued the reform is necessary to ensure equality before the law and to establish a truly secular state.