Poland's 2027 budget: Tusk promises billions for health, defense, and energy

Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveiled key priorities for Poland's 2027 state budget, emphasizing significant increases in funding for healthcare, defense, and energy infrastructure. Speaking before a Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, Tusk described the upcoming budget as "tight but responsible," acknowledging the difficult global economic climate.

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We have a war on our border, other conflicts, such as the Iranian one, which also directly affect financial condition. The consequences of this great, global turmoil are measured in billions, thick billions of zlotys.

"We have a war on our border, other conflicts, such as the Iranian one, which also directly affect financial condition," Tusk stated, noting that the consequences of global turmoil are measured in "billions, thick billions of zlotys." Despite these challenges, he assured that the government would not allow the Polish economy to stagnate, aiming for responsible fiscal management that balances deficit and debt concerns with economic growth.

A substantial portion of the increased funding will target the healthcare sector, with an additional 26 billion Polish zloty allocated compared to the previous year. Tusk stressed that measures are being taken to ensure these funds are used effectively, benefiting patients directly rather than being "devoured." This focus on healthcare aims to improve the quality of services and patient care.

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We want this budget to be elementarily responsible. We are talking about indicators that everyone pays attention to, i.e., debt and deficit.

Investments in national security and defense are also a major component of the budget. Tusk highlighted significant spending on the Polish defense industry and military, as well as on internal security services. He expressed a desire for citizens to feel safe and secure, contributing to Poland's attractiveness as a place to live and raise families.

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We are working to ensure that this clearly larger amount of money for health is not wasted in any way, and that is why we are so meticulously guarding the work on this act, so that this money is not 'eaten up' – I will use an ugly colloquialism – but serves the patient and improves the situation in healthcare.

Beyond security and health, the budget also earmarks funds for major infrastructure projects, including energy, rail, and road development. Tusk mentioned upcoming large-scale investments, such as the Port Polska project, signaling a commitment to modernizing the country's infrastructure and enhancing connectivity. The government aims to make Poland increasingly appealing not only for investments but also as a place of residence.

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We are investing in Polish defense industry and the army. Of course, the army, but also services, the Ministry of Interior – all that constitutes border security, air security.