However, a period exceeding 100 days
The promise to abolish the pension taxation to PLN 5 000 was included in “100 concretes per 100 days of government” but was not realised. Minister of elder Policy, Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, in an interview with money.pl indicated a circumstantial date of implementation of this crucial change for seniors. In addition, the Minister referred to the increase in the retirement age.
However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the increase in the amount of free money is not to be counted any time soon.
In an interview with money.pl, the Minister for elder Policy suggested that the promise to exempt any pensions from taxation was linked to an increase in the tax-free amount and is so dependent on it.
Untaxed pensions!!!
The year 2026 is real - says Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, Minister of elder Policy, referring to the abolition of pension taxation up to PLN 5 thousand. It besides announces a fresh program that will aid finance seniors.
— Margaret Kosińska (@GosiaNieciecka) March 22, 2024
The pension of up to PLN 5 1000 without taxation results from the amount free of taxation of PLN 60 thousand. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already said that this promise will be made during this parliamentary term, but not this year, and I keep it – informed Okła-Drewnowicz.
Budgetary tension
The Minister noted that the Prime Minister had announced the introduction of this amount before the end of his word of office. This means that 2026 is simply a realistic perspective. However, the final decision will belong to the Ministry of Finance, as it is hard to foretell the state of public finances.
However, the Minister hopes to improve the situation after unlocking funds from the National Recovery Plan. Okla-Drewnowicz pointed out that the inability to make these promises this year is due to the tight budgetary situation which forced the usage of large amounts for defence. There is besides a request to “clean up after the Law and Justice”.
The retirement age remains unchanged?
The Minister pointed out that there are presently many challenges in the area of elder policy and that the introduction of tough provisions on retirement age should not be considered. She besides pointed out that retirement age is simply a substance that is verified by life.
Referring to the losing elections by her political option in 2015, the minister stated that voters expressed their position by giving a red card, which was understood. Let us remind you that in 2012, Donald Tusk's government increased the retirement age for women and men to 67 years.
The European standard is the anticipation to quit at the same age for both sexes. The retirement age is equal in all EU countries but Poland. But, of course, it won't happen. https://t.co/c2gEPPilyY5
— halt discrimination against men (@DiscriminationPL) March 20, 2024
The government is not presently planning to reduce or rise retirement age, although it is surely hard to measure that this is simply a good move. The first issue here is the issue of equality between men and women. Many netizens believe that the fact that a man is forced to work 5 years longer seems to be discriminatory. And frankly, it is hard to disagree with this fact, given the controversial statements of the politicians of the Left. Anna Maria Żukowska, for example, expressed the request to compensate for the retirement age.
The second issue, raised by many commentators, is the very low natural growth in our country. This situation, although alternatively typical of more developed countries, may prove devastating for the Polish pension system. Here, however, any wonder whether it is worth simply adapting the strategy to fresh realities.
