Karol Nawrocki said the government was seeking an easy way to boost revenue instead of improving tax collection, calling the plan "chaos" and evidence of poor public finance management.
"Instead of fighting VAT mafias, the government is once again choosing the easiest path—taking money from Poles," Nawrocki said in a statement.
He also argued that the proposed tax increase, along with a planned hike in a sugar levy that he has also vetoed, was presented as a way to support the national health service but did not guarantee that the additional revenue would be earmarked exclusively for healthcare.
"If the goal were truly to finance healthcare, the law would've clearly stated that every additional zloty goes to the health service," Nawrocki said. “There was no such provision.”
The president reiterated that he would not sign legislation that raises taxes for citizens.
Under current regulations, excise duty on alcohol is set to rise by 5 percent in 2026 and another 5 percent in 2027.
The vetoed bill would have increased the tax by 15 percent in 2026 and a further 10 percent in 2027.
The finance ministry had estimated the higher rates would generate an additional PLN 1.96 billion (EUR 470 million) for public coffers in 2026.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP