The latest report from EAPN Poland (Poverty Watch) on poverty revealed alarming statistics about the state of poverty in Poland in 2023. Nearly one in fifteen Poles lived in extreme poverty, with almost half of the population facing various forms of exclusion. The reach of extreme poverty increased from approximately 1.7 million people in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023, marking the highest level of extreme poverty since 2015. This worsening situation affected families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
According to the EAPN report, extreme poverty occurs when household expenses fall below the minimum needed for survival. In 2022, this was estimated at 913 PLN for a single person and 2465 PLN for a four-person family with two children. Living in such conditions for more than two months poses a threat to physical health.
In a recent episode of „Tak jest“ on TVN24, Piotr Ikonowicz, a social activist and lawyer, and Rusłan Oniszczuk, a psychologist specializing in addiction therapy at Monar, discussed the scale of extreme poverty in Poland. Oniszczuk, who runs a shelter for the homeless, noted a concerning trend of younger individuals seeking assistance. He mentioned, „In the last two or three years, we have seen a change in our clients. Younger people are coming to us.“ This shift towards a younger demographic experiencing homelessness and addiction issues reflects a worrying decline in the mental health of society.
Ikonowicz emphasized a crucial finding from the research, stating that „poverty is not linked to unemployment.“ Contrary to the common belief that poverty is a result of laziness, the report revealed that 46% of Poles experience deprivation, including those who are employed. This challenges the notion that work alone can lift individuals out of poverty, especially when many low-wage workers struggle to make ends meet due to exploitative labor practices.
To address the issue of poverty, Oniszczuk stressed the need for a more systemic approach. He highlighted the importance of integrated assistance programs and collaboration among support institutions, which are currently lacking. Ikonowicz proposed a straightforward solution: the reinstatement of labor rights. He criticized the erosion of labor rights over successive governments, leading to delays and obstacles in accessing justice for workers.
In response to the findings, the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy announced a record budget allocation of 170 billion PLN for social policies in 2025 to combat high levels of poverty. The ministry highlighted a 47% increase in spending on family support programs, including the Family 800 plus program and various caregiver and parental support benefits.
Additionally, the ministry announced adjustments to income criteria for social assistance, aiming to increase financial aid for individuals and families in need. These changes are expected to raise the standard of living for those relying on social support programs.
Despite these efforts, Professor Ryszard Szarfenberg from the Polish Committee of the European Anti-Poverty Network pointed out that the main cause of rising extreme poverty in Poland was the record inflation rate and inadequate government response to protect the most vulnerable. He emphasized the importance of annual adjustments to family benefits to keep pace with inflation and prevent families from falling into poverty.
As the discussion on poverty in Poland continues, it is evident that a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, labor rights enforcement, and social support programs is essential to address the root causes of poverty and ensure a more equitable society for all.