In discussions about fighting inflation, there are claims that financial transfers within the framework of social programs contribute to exacerbating the phenomenon of inflation. On the other hand, instead of paying a fourteenth pension, some are proposing to index pension benefits twice. The implementation of social policy in the age of inflation was discussed by participants of the XXXI Economic Forum in Karpacz as part of a panel discussion entitled Social Policy in the Age of Inflation. Is it profitable for us to invest in the family?, whose partner was the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.
Participants in the debate, including Polish Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Daria Marczak, President of the Social Insurance Institution Gertruda Uścińska and President of the European Federation of Associations of Catholic Families Vincenzo Bassi discussed the concept of social solidarity, which resonates especially clearly in times of inflation, as it did earlier during the pandemic, about a number of social programs for seniors and families with children, and about the costs of the crisis, related to the war in Ukraine and direct financial transfers. Daria Marczak shared the experience of Ukraine, which not only faces very high inflation, but also supports those affected by the war and displaced people who fled the threat to western regions and abroad. In turn, Vincenzo Bassi discussed the need to support families and strengthen intergenerational ties during the crisis, and said that a strong family is the foundation of a strong state. Minister Marlena Maląg is of the same opinion as well: “Changing the way we think about the family is a process that must involve employers, local governments and NGOs. We are working on concrete solutions to support just families,” – She stressed.
The minister recalled that at a time of energy crisis and hostilities across our eastern border, which have an impact on inflation, the government has launched a series of measures to support the household budget of Polish families. These are primarily the anti-inflation shield, tax cuts on, among other things, energy, fuel and foodstuffs; shield allowances for the poorest and credit vacations for families. In addition, payments are underway for the 14th pension, re-granted in 2022 for the vast majority of pensioners. Investment in the family, with the “Family 500+” program at the forefront, is also an important part of the government’s efforts.
“In the pandemic we protected jobs and supported the economy through financial transfers, now we are targeting more groups of citizens with assistance. We are taking care of the state budget and sealing it, but above all we are taking care of Poles and making sure that Poland is a strong state,” said Minister Marlena Maląg.
The debate was moderated by Michal Adam Michalski, professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and President of the Institute of Family and Social Knowledge.
