Parliament Rejects Universal Basic Income Petition Amid Budget Stability Concerns

The Sejm’s Committee on Petitions has unanimously rejected a proposal for a universal basic income of 2,403 PLN, citing insurmountable costs and the potential for severe fiscal instability.

Proposal for universal basic income

A petition submitted to the Sejm proposed a major overhaul of Poland’s social security system, introducing a universal basic income for every resident starting from age three. The plan suggested a monthly payment of 2,403 PLN, equivalent to half the gross minimum wage, indexed to macroeconomic indicators.

Consolidation and funding concerns

The initiative proposed financing this wide-ranging transfer by consolidating and liquidating existing social programs. This would have involved the permanent discontinuation of current schemes, including the 800 plus child benefit and annual additional pension payments.

Ministry of Finance warning

The Ministry of Finance issued a negative assessment, providing simulations that indicated such a program would lead to the collapse of public finances. The ministry confirmed that it is not currently planning or working on any implementation of these measures.

Parliamentary decision

The Sejm’s Committee on Petitions reviewed the economic impact and the ministry’s findings, ultimately voting unanimously to reject the petition in its entirety. Consequently, all parliamentary work on the universal basic income proposal has concluded, and existing social security programs will continue under current regulations.