Lawmakers are set to consider a 2027 budget with a 281.2 billion-zloty deficit, changes to tax thresholds and rules for judges appointed after the 2018 reform.
Poland’s Sejm is due this week to consider the 2027 budget, tax changes and a government bill addressing judges appointed under procedures introduced after the 2018 changes to the National Council of the Judiciary. The official schedule lists the budget’s first reading for October 7 and further work on the judicial bill for October 8.
The draft budget projects a deficit of 281.2 billion zlotys. The government says the gap largely reflects rising defence spending, planned at nearly 200 billion zlotys, and healthcare spending of more than 274 billion. Social programmes, including the 800-plus child benefit and additional pension payments, are set to receive more than 100 billion zlotys. Opposition lawmakers have criticized the deficit and called for Finance Minister Andrzej Domański to resign.
Tax thresholds are another point of dispute. The government proposes raising the 12% income-tax threshold to 130,000 zlotys and adding a 24% intermediate rate for income up to 150,000. Law and Justice (PiS) wants the second threshold set at 180,000 zlotys, while Poland 2050 proposes 140,000. The government estimates around 3.5 million taxpayers could benefit from its plan.
Lawmakers are also debating a bill on the status of judges appointed through procedures introduced after the 2018 reform. The government proposal would generally preserve rulings already issued, while allowing some later judicial promotions to be reversed. PiS and allies of President Karol Nawrocki oppose the plan. Gazeta.pl reported that a presidential veto could prevent the law from taking effect.
The week’s agenda also includes proposals for a nationwide ban on alcohol sales from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., restrictions on alcohol advertising and subsidies for social and health-insurance contributions for low-income professional artists. Gazeta.pl said votes on some bills were planned for Thursday, while governing parties were still discussing details.