Poland Proposes Social Assistance Law Changes

The Polish Council of Ministers is considering a draft resolution regarding a support program for the hard coal mining sector. The strategic government document aims to provide instruments such as mining leave and one-time severance payments for workers. The plan includes a target to eliminate excessive deficits by 2028. This initiative is intended to allow Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa to be covered by mining law provisions. The Polish Sejm is currently working on amendments to the social assistance act. The project proposes that individuals who have acquired apartments from seniors through life annuity contracts will be held primarily responsible for paying the seniors' care home fees. According to Wyborcza, nearly 20,000 life annuity contracts were signed last year as the elderly population increases. The proposal also includes changes regarding the placement of children in care facilities. The legislation also addresses the placement of children in social welfare centers. Proponents argue these centers are needed for disabled teenagers, while advocates like Joanna Luberacka of the foster parenting coalition argue children should be placed in families rather than centers. Parliamentary committees have decided to address the bill following public controversy, including online posts from Broniszewice. The bill has not yet reached the Sejm for a vote.