Speaking at a press conference in Bielawa, southwestern Poland, on Saturday, Gawkowski said similar taxes are already in force in several European Union countries, including France, where they generate billions in annual public revenue.
The comments came one day after the Ministry of Digital Affairs published draft legislation proposing a 3% tax on the revenues of the largest global technology companies operating in Poland. The proposal has now entered a period of public consultation.
If adopted, the new tax would take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to generate nearly PLN 31.7 billion (approximately €7.4 billion) in additional state revenue over the next decade.
Gawkowski stressed that the proposed levy would apply to corporations rather than individual citizens.
"Anyone earning money in Poland through online commerce and digital services should understand that part of those profits should remain in Poland," he said.
He argued that many global digital platforms generate substantial income from Polish users while paying relatively little tax domestically by shifting profits abroad.
Although the proposal has government backing, Gawkowski acknowledged that not all members of Poland's governing coalition currently support the measure.
"We want to convince our coalition partners," he said. "I believe that during this parliamentary term we can develop a digital tax proposal that everyone in the government coalition will be able to support."
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR