During Wednesday’s parliamentary session on May 27, Partia Razem leader Adrian Zandberg confronted Science Minister Marcin Kulasek, accusing the government of forcing prominent scientists onto the streets due to chronic underfunding.
Zandberg’s Accusations in Parliament
Adrian Zandberg challenged Science Minister Marcin Kulasek regarding the state of Polish research, asking if the minister feels shame for driving scientists to protest. Zandberg argued that by allowing savings on basic research, the government has forced hundreds of talented researchers to leave the country.
Zandberg emphasized that the government must raise spending on science, research, and development to 3 percent of GDP. Currently, funding stands at 1.1 percent, a level he described as a shortsighted policy that will eventually stifle economic growth.
Tensions Within the Left
The session saw a verbal exchange between Zandberg and Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Czarzasty suggested that political responsibility involves action rather than shouting, to which Zandberg replied that the ruling coalition must take responsibility for the current lack of science funding. It is noted that both Kulasek and Czarzasty represent the New Left party.
Scientist Demands and Proposed Reforms
Protesting scientists are demanding that their salaries be linked to the average national wage, which currently stands at 9,652.19 PLN gross. They also seek to increase doctoral stipends to the level of the minimum wage of 4,806 PLN gross.
Furthermore, the scientists are calling for stable, long-term funding for research infrastructure and an increased budget for the National Science Centre, which oversees grants for basic research.
Ministerial Response to Underfunding
Minister Marcin Kulasek acknowledged on May 14 that current funding levels for science are insufficient. While maintaining that dialogue with the scientific community is ongoing, he admitted that he shares the view that expenditures are too low.
Kulasek stated that he has been fighting to increase funding since taking office. He added that while national security is the priority given the current geopolitical situation, there can be no secure Poland without well-funded science.