Przemysław Czarnek, PiS’s prime ministerial candidate, held a press conference Monday warning of a “collapse of public finances” and blaming the current government.
Czarnek Highlights Growing Deficit
During a press conference held before the Sejm on Monday, March 23rd, Przemysław Czarnek emphasized a 48.5 billion złoty deficit recorded in January and February, stating the deficit is increasing even faster in March.
Czarnek asserted that the “collapse of public finances” is evident, directly impacting Poles through limitations on diagnostic tests, hospital closures, and a general inability of the state to function in crucial areas.
Warning of a Greek Scenario
Czarnek cautioned against a potential “Greek scenario,” referencing the 30% reduction in wages and pensions experienced in Greece during its financial crisis, stating Poland cannot afford such measures.
Demanding Accountability from Tusk
Czarnek demanded that Donald Tusk explain “where the money of Poles is,” questioning the government’s inability to intervene in the fuel market and characterizing the situation as a “disaster” and “despair.”
PiS Submits Motion to Sejm
In response to the “alarming situation,” PiS submitted a motion to the Sejm Speaker to include a discussion on the “collapse of public finances” on the agenda of the upcoming session, scheduled for March 25-27.
Błaszczak Echoes Concerns
Former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak echoed Czarnek’s concerns, questioning Tusk about the whereabouts of Polish funds and criticizing the government for eliminating energy shields, increasing VAT on food, and failing to control fuel prices while simultaneously increasing national debt by over a billion złoty daily.
February Deficit Figures Released
The Ministry of Finance reported a budget deficit of 48.5 billion złoty for January-February 2026, with revenues totaling 78.3 billion złoty and expenditures reaching 126.8 billion złoty.
Criticism of Energy Prices and NSA Ruling
Czarnek also criticized high energy and fuel prices, predicting “gigantic bills” for electricity, gas, heating, and fuel during the holidays, and questioned affordability for Polish families.
He called for an immediate reduction in VAT and excise duties, criticized the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) as harmful to Polish families and coal-based energy, and denounced the NSA’s ruling on same-sex marriage recognition as a “violation of reason” and “rule of law.”