President's Office Opposes Tax Changes, Cites 'Cosmetic' Reforms and Defense Spending Contradictions

The Polish President's office has voiced strong opposition to the government's proposed changes to personal income tax (PIT) rates, deeming them insufficient and counterproductive. Presidential spokesperson Leśkiewicz stated that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has abandoned key campaign promises by failing to raise the tax-free allowance to 60,000 PLN, instead blaming defense expenditures.

Leśkiewicz highlighted a perceived contradiction in the government's narrative, pointing out that while it boasts of securing billions for defense, it claims insufficient funds for the tax-free allowance increase. He contrasted this with the presidential initiative "PIT-0. Family on Plus," which proposes tax exemptions for families with at least two children and a higher tax threshold of 140,000 PLN. The government's proposed "cosmetic changes" and simultaneous increase in corporate tax (CIT) for large companies are expected to be passed on to consumers through higher prices, according to the spokesperson.

Furthermore, the presidential office refuted claims that presidential vetoes negatively impact the state budget, attributing such arguments to the government's "incompetence." The spokesperson emphasized that President Andrzej Duda is not a mere rubber stamp for the government, signing only constitutionally sound laws and rejecting "legal blunders." The office also addressed the "Lex Szarlatan" bill, concerning pseudomedical practices, stating that the president will make a decision within the statutory deadline after a thorough constitutional and public interest analysis. The spokesperson dismissed the involvement of alternative medicine proponents like Jerzy Zięba, asserting that preying on the sick is unacceptable and that medicine must be based on science.

Regarding political alliances, the presidential office acknowledged the need for right-wing consolidation to counter the current government. The spokesperson also condemned the behavior and statements of far-right politician Grzegorz Braun, particularly his denial of Nazi concentration camps, stating such actions are not tolerated by the presidency. The office indicated a potential willingness to patronize a "senate pact" for conservative parties, signaling a desire for greater cooperation on the right.