The President of the Republic of Poland signed the 2026 budget law, while referring it to the Constitutional Court for follow-up control. In his speech, he drew attention to the dramatic financial situation of health care, the state's growing debt, and the consequences of these decisions for patients - especially seniors, who are most affected by restrictions on access to services.
The president signed the budget. "I expect the government to make immediate changes to ensure stable health care financing."
Published Jan. 20, 2026 09:22
Fot. Slawomir Kaminski / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
In a speech accompanying the signing of the law, the President pointed out that the 2026 budget is based on record debt, which does not translate into improvements in citizens' quality of life. The deficit is expected to account for nearly one-third of all state spending, and for the first time in history, the Finance Ministry expects to exceed the constitutional threshold of 60 percent of public debt to GDP.
Health care in crisis
The health care system has a special place in the President's criticism. There will be a gap of up to 23 billion zlotys in next year's funding, which, according to the President, is already translating into real problems for patients.
"This budget is also a health care collapse budget," the President of the Republic noted. He pointed to closed delivery rooms, reduced hospital admissions, deteriorating treatment conditions and lengthening queues for services. "This is a real threat to people's lives and health. Longer queues. Lack of services. Closed wards," he stressed.
Seniors in the shadow of unfulfilled promises
In the context of senior citizen policy, the President pointed to the lack of implementation of key announcements, including low pension indexation and the lack of double indexation of benefits.
At the same time, it was pointed out, the country's huge debt is not matched by investments in health, long-term care or prevention of diseases of old age. "This is money that could save the health of Poles, support seniors and strengthen state security," the President pointed out.
Signature for stability, request to CT for the future
Despite the critical assessment of the law, the essential argument for signing it was the need to ensure the continuity of the state. As the President stressed, the absence of a budget would mean uncertainty in pension payments, medical funding and the stability of public institutions.
Source: President.co.uk
