A United Surveys poll released by Wirtualna Polska on September 26‑28, 2025 shows most Polish respondents hold a negative view of Education Minister Barbara Nowacka, with 38 % expressing strong dislike.
Poll results show majority view Nowacka unfavorably
In a CATI/CAWI survey of 1,000 respondents, 4.3 % rated the minister “definitely positive,” 34.8 % “rather positive,” 38 % “definitely negative,” and 9.6 % “rather negative.” 13.3 % had no opinion on the issue.
Support stronger among government coalition voters
Among voters of the governing coalition, 81 % viewed Nowacka positively and 8 % negatively. In contrast, among PiS and Confederation supporters, 71 % judged her negatively and only 23 % gave a positive impression.
Minister cites reforms and expanded support for education
In May 2025, MP Michał Moskal asked Nowacka to list five successes. She highlighted a salary increase of at least 30 % (no less than 1,500 zl for each teacher), appointment of 16 non‑party experts as curriculum exam curators, a 20 % reduction of the core curriculum for greater teacher autonomy, elimination of the “History and Present” subject, and introduction of civic and health education. She also mentioned scholarships for thousands of students, subsidies for school renovations, and procurement of new equipment.
Teachers demand higher pay amid policy controversies
Negative sentiment about Nowacka has been amplified by debates over the new health‑education subject, criticized by the Church and right‑wing circles, and by optional homework in primary schools. The Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP) met in early October with the minister and deputy ministers to call for salary increases for teachers and education staff, a faster alignment of teacher pay with the national average, and statutory regulation of special‑needs enrolment per class.