Polish FM Sikorski suggests public sector pay cap, sparking debate

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski ignited a debate with a suggestion to cap public sector salaries, including state and municipal companies, to the level of the Polish president's pay. He stated on social media that individuals aiming to become millionaires should pursue opportunities in the private sector.

“

A jeśli ktoś chce być milionerem, to powinien spróbować swych sił w sektorze prywatnym.

The minister's comments were a response to a poll on X (formerly Twitter) by TVP Info asking about a proposed salary cap for doctors in public healthcare, which received 86% support. The current gross monthly salary for the Polish president is approximately 30,886 PLN (around 21,500 PLN net).

Cezary Szymanek, a columnist for "Rzeczpospolita," reacted to Sikorski's statement, initially interpreting it as a joke. He questioned whether the minister was serious or merely jesting, noting that some people were indeed asking if the government might consider such limits for company executives after addressing doctors' high earnings.

“

Radosław Sikorski chce, aby nikt w sektorze publicznym nie zarabiał więcej niż prezydent RP. Brzmi jak żart. Ale gdyby miało tak być, to wicepremier zafundowałby nam może i tanie, ale bardzo niesprawne państwo.

However, Szymanek also considered the possibility that Sikorski's "personal view" could influence government policy. He warned that if such a cap were implemented, the best talent would likely move to sectors where their skills are better valued, potentially leading to a less effective public administration. He argued that lower state valuations of competencies increase the importance of political loyalty.

“

Gdyby podwoić pensję prezydenta do 60k zł miesięcznie, to czy przy takim limicie komukolwiek w sektorze publicznym nie starczyłoby do pierwszego?

Sikorski later responded to Szymanek's column, posing a hypothetical question: "If the president's salary were doubled to 60,000 PLN per month, would anyone in the public sector still not have enough to make ends meet under such a limit?" He reiterated his belief that public service is a vocation and that those aspiring to high earnings should test their market value in the private sector.

“

Praca w sektorze publicznym jest służbą, a jak ktoś chce być milionerem, to powinien zweryfikować swoją wartość rynkową w sektorze prywatnym.