W Polsce ponownie zaczęły się pojawiać głosy na temat wprowadzenia specjalnego podatku dla osób nieposiadających dzieci. Pomysł ten, zaproponowany przez Marka Jakubiaka, przewodniczącego Koła Poselskiego Wolni Republikanie, zakładałby wprowadzenie dodatkowej daniny w wysokości równoważnej świadczeniu 800 plus. Kontrowersyjny pomysł wywołał szereg emocji i krytycznych głosów.
Historia podobnego rozwiązania
Warto zauważyć, że taki podatek funkcjonował już wcześniej w Polsce. W latach 50. XX wieku, w okresie rządów Bieruta, bezdzietni powyżej 21. roku życia płacili o jedną piątą wyższy podatek dochodowy. Obecnie, podobne regulacje istnieją w niektórych krajach europejskich, np. w Niemczech, gdzie bezdzietni powyżej 23. roku życia płacą wyższe o 0,25 pkt proc. składki na ubezpieczenia społeczne, a we Francji stosuje się „iloraz rodzinny” zmniejszający podatki wraz ze wzrostem liczby dzieci.
Krytyka pomysłu
Many experts and politicians have criticized the proposal, calling it „inhumane” and unfair. Marcelina Zawisza from the Razem party has stated that the proposal is particularly unfair towards people struggling with infertility. Jarosław Rzepa from the Polish People’s Party has suggested that instead of punishing childless people, the government should focus on supporting families through job stability, access to kindergartens and preschools. Monika Rosa from the Civic Coalition has also argued that the government should create conditions that support family planning rather than punishing childless people.
Demographic challenges
The proposal comes against the backdrop of Poland’s demographic crisis. According to data from the Ministry of Digital Affairs, cited by rankomat.pl, the number of births in Poland has been consistently decreasing – from 325,000 in 2021 to 257,000 in 2023. In contrast, in 1987, over 607,000 children were born. The latest data from the Central Statistical Office and the United Nations paints a worrying picture – by 2060, Poland’s population may decrease by 6.7 million, and by the end of the century, it may drop to just 19 million inhabitants. This could lead to deeper problems, such as a labor market collapse, pension system collapse, and total economic collapse.
Public opinion
Many people have expressed their concerns and criticisms about the proposal. Singles have argued that they already pay taxes that finance schools, kindergartens, and pro-family programs, such as 800 plus. The majority of commentators, regardless of the number of children, believe that such a tax is, in fact, a form of coercion, as having children is a personal matter.
Conclusion
The proposal to introduce a special tax for childless singles has sparked a heated debate in Poland. While some argue that it could help to address the country’s demographic challenges, others believe that it is unfair and inhumane. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether such a tax will be implemented and what its impact will be on Polish society.
Key statistics:
* 325,000 – number of births in Poland in 2021
* 257,000 – number of births in Poland in 2023
* 607,000 – number of births in Poland in 1987
* 6.7 million – predicted decrease in Poland’s population by 2060
* 19 million – predicted population of Poland by the end of the century