Polish public views alimony and business debt as most harmful

A report by the Związek Przedsiębiorstw Finansowych (ZPF) titled ‘Financial Morality of Poles 2026’ reveals how citizens perceive different types of debt. According to the findings, Poles view unpaid alimony as the most harmful form of debt, with 64.6% of respondents categorizing it as highly damaging.

Business debts owed to other companies are also viewed critically, with 58.8% of those who differentiate debt types considering them particularly harmful to the economy and society due to the potential for liquidity issues and chain reactions in payment delays. In contrast, small consumer debts and private family loans are viewed more leniently.

While many respondents believe that repayment difficulties often stem from difficult life circumstances rather than dishonesty, there remains a strong social consensus that debt is a matter of honor.