In an extensive feature in the Sunday Telegraph, David Johnson highlighted Poland's remarkable transition over the last 30-plus years.
Johnson recalls his visit to Poland in 1989 as a correspondent for the Daily Telegraph when “its cities were drab, decayed and ringed by hideous communist-era buildings. Shops were barren, expectations were low and life was hard.”
According to the author, Poland stands out as a shining example of triumph within the former Soviet empire. The country, once plagued by setbacks, has now become a pioneer of freedom and prosperity.
'Hotbed for future-facing industries'
“On its current path, Poland is on track to become wealthier than Britain by 2030 thanks to a post-communist economic miracle. The country has become a hotbed for future-facing industries such as battery manufacturing and tech,” Johnson writes.
He adds that Poland's economic strength is now being harnessed “to transform the country into a formidable fighting force to guard against the Russian wolf at the door."
The author also argues that a lack of leadership from Berlin and Paris has created a gap, and Warsaw has been only too happy to fill it.
'Poland's star is on the rise'
“As Germany and France tie themselves in knots over their response to the Ukraine war, Poland's star is on the rise,” he writes.
The newspaper also notes that three decades of steady growth in Poland has wrought an economic miracle. Taking into account purchasing power parity, Poland's current GDP per capita stands at £28,200, compared to £35,000 in the UK, £34,200 in France, and £39,800 in Germany.
“At its current trajectory rate, Poland will overtake the UK by 2030,” Johnson predicts.
'Low taxes, well-functioning welfare system'
The author shares a personal anecdote about his son and daughter-in-law who have decided to relocate to Poland attracted by low taxes, a well-functioning welfare system, and lower cost of living.
“My son and his Polish wife emigrated to her native Wrocław with their two small children a year ago,” Johnson reveals. "They have no regrets."
According to him, living standards in Polish big cities such as Warsaw or Wrocław are already comparable to those in Berlin, Paris and London.
“It is no wonder that many Poles who moved to Britain or Germany to work after Poland joined the EU in 2004 have now returned,” Johnson concludes.
(mo/gs)
Source: PAP, The Telegraph