During the recent conference titled "Polska. Rok Przełomu," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveiled his ambitious plan to implement significant deregulatory reforms aimed at revitalizing the country’s economy. Central to this initiative is Rafał Brzoska, the CEO of INPOST, who was invited by Tusk to spearhead the development of specific recommendations for reducing bureaucratic constraints on entrepreneurs.
Brzoska's involvement signifies not only his influence within the business community but also the government's acknowledgment of the importance of engaging with business leaders to chart the future of Poland's economic policies. "Zabrakło konkretów [in this strategy]. But I assume it’s very high-level, so I expect detailed tactics will follow," stated Brzoska, highlighting his desire for clarity and specificity moving forward.
The call for action was made clear when Tusk challenged Brzoska and his fellow entrepreneurs to come forth with actionable proposals for deregulation. "If we want deregulation, let’s propose it concretely," Tusk urged, emphasizing the need for rapid recommendations requiring no statutory changes—methods, he argued, can be quickly implemented through executive orders.
At the conference held at the Warsaw Stock Exchange on February 4, 2023, Tusk stated, "This is the moment when we can surpass everyone. The light is visible from Poland. (...) Year of breakthrough means investments, investments, and more investments." This optimistic outlook reflects not only Tusk's ambitions but also the potential of Polish entrepreneurs to drive economic growth through strategic deregulation.
Brzoska responded to Tusk's invitation with enthusiasm, stating, "Challenge accepted," indicating his readiness to undertake the task of formulating deregulatory measures for the government. His reaction captures the spirit of collaboration necessary for advancing economic initiatives. "We need to take action; we cannot simply abide by excessive regulation. Other nations are advancing faster than we are," he noted, calling for immediate steps to reshape the regulatory environment.
The discussions at the conference revolved around various aspects of Tusk's proposed deregulatory efforts. Notably, Brzoska pointed out, "We must turn from slogans to concrete decisions. Deregulation is the sine qua non condition for investment success and Poland's competitive capability," underscoring the importance of realizing the vision shared by Tusk and the business community.
The need for dialogue between politicians and business leaders was echoed throughout the event. Brzoska articulated the view of many entrepreneurs: their aim is not only to profit but also to contribute significantly to national economic interests. "The business community is uniting now more than ever. We operate with what I call economic patriotism," he asserted, emphasizing the community's commitment to strengthening Poland's position within the European Union.
Reflecting on some of the barriers faced by Polish entrepreneurs, Brzoska lamented, "The shackles of regulation—both European and domestic—restrict the competitiveness of our economy." He argued for minimizing unnecessary controls on businesses which, as he expressed, impedes the country's potential to thrive globally. The stakes are high, and the time to act is clearly now.
Both Tusk and Brzoska appear committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere. They denote the pressing issue of initiating effective reforms to stimulate economic growth without the delays associated with legislative action. By partnering with business leaders and establishing clear objectives for deregulation, Tusk aims to transform the economic prospects of Poland.
Future plans also involve the formation of an Economic Council, which will include business leaders and academic experts, to continue exploring avenues for growth and deregulation. This initiative aims to be up and running before significant anniversaries, such as the coronation of Bolesław Chrobry, scheduled on April 18, demonstrating the urgency of action required.
To conclude, Brzoska's initiative under Tusk's leadership signifies great potential for the Polish economy. If the proposed deregulatory measures are realized, they could pave the way for increased investor interest, rapid economic growth, and improved quality of life for Polish citizens. Yet, whether more than just rhetoric can translate to concrete actions remains to be seen—there is immense apprehension within the business community to see these strategies come to fruition during the forthcoming months.