Polish Sejm Committee rejects unconditional basic income pilot

The Sejm Committee on Petitions has unanimously voted to reject a proposal for a pilot unconditional basic income (UBI) program in Poland. The petition proposed a 20-year pilot project in the Silesia region, intended to support the area during its economic transition following the closure of mines and steelworks.

Under the proposal, residents from age three would receive approximately 2,403 PLN monthly, an amount equivalent to 50 percent of the gross minimum wage. This program would have replaced existing social benefits, including the ‘800 plus’ child benefit, unemployment benefits, and various permanent and periodic allowances.

The Ministry of Finance opposed the initiative, citing extreme fiscal risks. Estimates suggest that even with lower payments, the program could cost hundreds of billions of PLN annually, potentially exceeding 12 percent of Poland's GDP and requiring significant tax increases. The committee cited concerns regarding the impact on public finances, the labor market, and the existing social security system.