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Senators back plan to hike pensions in Poland

17.11.2022 13:00
Polish senators have unanimously approved a government plan to increase pensions for senior citizens next year to help offset inflation and rising energy costs.
The upper house of Polands parliament in session in Warsaw on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.
The upper house of Poland's parliament in session in Warsaw on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz

The measure passed in a 98-0 vote with no abstentions in the upper house of parliament on Wednesday, Poland’s PAP news agency reported.

The legislation, which was earlier backed by the lower chamber of Poland's bicameral parliament, now goes to President Andrzej Duda for signing into law.

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki last month announced that pensions would increase in 2023 by at least PLN 250 (EUR 50) a month.

He told reporters at the time that "intergenerational solidarity" was the backbone of his government's social policy, "a fundamental part, the linchpin of all our policies.”  

He declared: “At a time of crisis ... we are seeking to help everyone even more, we are not leaving people without help.”

He added: “Next year, pensions will be increased by at least PLN 250 (EUR 50).”

From March next year, Poland's basic state pension will rise to PLN 1,588.44 (EUR 330), officials told reporters.

The government is set to spend almost PLN 42 billion (EUR 8.3 billion) to finance the adjustment of pensions and disability benefits next year, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP