In fresh days, the subject of social benefits, in peculiar the 800 Plus programme, has one more time been at the centre of political debate. The proposals to reduce payments to citizens of another countries, especially Ukraine, have sparked a heated debate among both politicians and the public. Should 800 Plus only be available to Poles? What positions are presented by individual parties? We present the latest information and analysis of the situation.
Rafał Trzaskowski postulates limitation of 800 Plus for Ukrainians
Rafał Trzaskowski, a candidate for the Civic Coalition for President, announced that he advocated a simplification of benefits 800 Plus for Ukrainian citizens. According to his proposal, the social benefit would benefit only those Ukrainians who work and pay taxes in Poland.
– This is simply a substance of social justice – argues Trzaskowski. – The funds from the Polish budget should first go to Polish families who worked hard for these social gains for years.
However, the proposal was not explicitly supported even among coalition parties. The Left expressed its discontent, stressing that all citizens, regardless of their origin, should have equal rights to social support.
Confederation: No benefits for foreigners
The Confederacy's position on the substance is even more radical. Representatives of this organization have long been opposed to any social statute for citizens of another countries.
“Polish money should service Poles,” say Confederate politicians. – Citizens of abroad countries should not receive any social benefits in Poland, whether they work or not.
Citizen Platform of Trzaskowski weapons
Despite interior disputes, Trzaskovsky's proposal is defended by Citizens' Platform politicians. any of them openly admit that the financing of social benefits for citizens of another countries from the Polish taxpayer's money is not normal.
– This is not a question of discrimination, but of justice – say representatives of the PO. Polish families should be a priority.
One of the most decisive voices in this debate is associate of the Civic Platform Artur Łącki. On Radio Plus, he said that 800 Plus should only be paid to Polish families.
– At all 800 plus should not be paid to Ukrainians," said Lązki. – It is not a question of whether they are working and paying taxes now, but that we Poles have worked hard for these social gains for 30 years.
Łązki besides proposed that Poland apply in Brussels for a peculiar EU fund to support refugees from Ukraine.
– The needy Ukrainians should receive assistance from EU funds, not from the Polish budget," argued the MP. "This solution would be more fair and beneficial for all parties.
Summary: Political dispute over social justice
The debate on 800 Plus for foreigners reveals a deeper problem concerning social justice and social policy priorities. On the 1 hand, there are voices that Polish families should be given priority, on the another hand, that all citizens, regardless of their origin, should have equal rights to support.
The proposals of Rafał Trzaskowski and Artur Łącki met with both support and criticism. 1 thing is certain – the subject will proceed to make emotions and controversy, both among politicians and average citizens.
Should 800 Plus only be available to Poles? Or do we request fresh strategy solutions that will take into account both the interests of Polish families and citizens of another countries? The next months of political discussions and decisions will answer these questions.
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800 Plus for Poles only! Artur Łącki begins to realize the position goal of the program
