Polish lawmakers have approved the government’s budget for 2025, setting a deficit ceiling of PLN 289 billion (EUR 67.7 billion, USD 71 billion) and targeting a general government deficit of
5.5% of GDP, according to state news agency PAP.
The budget projects government revenues of PLN 632.6 billion and expenditures of PLN 921.6 billion.
The legislation passed the lower house of parliament with 232 votes in favor, 207 against, and three abstentions, as reported by Polish Radio’s IAR news agency. The bill now moves to the Senate for further debate.
Key allocations
The 2025 budget includes over EUR 170 billion earmarked for core social programs. Among these, the "Family 800-plus" child benefit program is set to receive PLN 62.8 billion, government officials announced.
Health spending is expected to rise to PLN 221.7 billion, or 6.5% of GDP, while defense expenditures are planned to reach PLN 186.6 billion, equivalent to 4.7% of GDP.
Additionally, PLN 3.2 billion has been allocated for flood protection and recovery efforts following this year’s floods, Finance Minister Andrzej Domański stated
Focus on growth and security
Finance Minister Domański highlighted the record investment in healthcare, noting that allocations would increase from PLN 191 billion in 2024 to PLN 222 billion in 2025.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the budget’s ambitious goals, which include controlling inflation, boosting economic growth, raising the minimum wage in real terms, and advancing significant infrastructure projects in energy and rail transport.
"We are committed to building what is necessary for national and energy security," Tusk said. "This includes record-high defense spending of nearly PLN 190 billion."
The budget also promises salary increases for government and public sector employees, including teachers.
Tusk described the financial plan as "a budget of development and strength," reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering economic resilience and social progress. Photo by Mateusz Kudła, Wikimedia commons.