In a bold statement that has sparked conversations across Poland, Magdalena Biejat, the presidential candidate from the Left (Lewica) party, emphasized the need for significant reforms in healthcare during the inauguration of her ‘election town’ on March 23, 2025, at Warsaw's Pole Mokotowskie. Biejat, a senator and vice-marshal, criticized the current funding model for the healthcare system, insisting that it must be financed directly from the state budget instead of relying on health insurance contributions, which she argued does not work effectively. “Just like in Spain and France, this approach simply works,” she stated, advocating for a complete overhaul of how health services are funded in Poland.
In her plan to improve healthcare, Biejat proposed the introduction of an additional health tax on corporate income tax (CIT) payers. She asserted that this would provide crucial funds to bolster the healthcare sector, which she views as essential for ensuring life-saving treatments are accessible to all citizens. Biejat also highlighted the importance of enhancing the organization of healthcare services by suggesting that diagnostic services be transferred to primary care physicians (POZ), thus lessening the burden on specialists and improving patient access to necessary services.
“Public healthcare is crucial because private healthcare only works when it is profitable,” Biejat pointed out. She underlined the inability of private entities to sustain important emergency procedures, noting that “life-saving treatments do not pay off in private hospitals.” This reality reinforces her call for a well-functioning public healthcare system, which she believes must receive adequate and fair funding.
Biejat is firm in her resolve regarding healthcare policy, declaring that her party will not support any legislation aimed at reducing health insurance contributions for entrepreneurs. She firmly stated, “As president, I would not sign any reduction in the health insurance tax,” revealing her belief that such a bill would lead to a 5 billion PLN gap in the National Health Fund (NFZ) budget. Her remarks come as a reaction to a proposed bill scheduled for a vote on March 27, 2025, which has since been removed from the parliamentary agenda due to various political negotiations and opposition.
Additionally, Biejat expressed her concerns regarding the financial implications of the government’s plan, which involves a dual approach to calculating health insurance contributions. The proposed changes, intended to take effect in early 2026, are expected to cost the state budget around 4.6 billion PLN. The plans had already met with resistance from various quarters, including Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna, who has voiced her staunch opposition to the proposed reductions.
“I am glad that this project was taken off the agenda, and I hope it never comes back,” she said, adding that the Lewica party would actively work to ensure that it remains off the parliamentary schedule in the future. Biejat’s statements illustrate not only her commitment to healthcare reform but also a broader message regarding the importance of addressing deeper societal issues in the upcoming elections.
“These elections are about which issues will resonate, and what signal you as voters will send to politicians. Will you allow yourselves to be coerced, once again, into accepting false promises and then left disenfranchised after the elections? Or will you send a clear message: no more business as usual?” she proclaimed passionately.
As an essential part of her campaign, Biejat is focusing on critical issues affecting everyday Poles. According to her, topics such as housing, women’s rights, minority rights, social justice, and healthcare must be taken seriously by those in power if they wish to remain in office. “The issues of housing and healthcare frequently emerge in my discussions with voters,” she said, indicating their priority in her presidential campaign agenda.
To support her agenda, Biejat highlighted the need for more rental housing construction and plans to introduce maximum limits on bank margin rates for mortgage loans. She believes these reforms would alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by ordinary citizens. With these policies, she seeks to present Lewica as a champion for the everyday issues that matter to the electorate.
Ahead of her official candidacy registration, expected to take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Biejat is rallying support for her platform, promising that the Left will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable approach to health and social policy. She aims to utilize her campaign as a means to facilitate direct interactions with constituents, allowing her to engage with them on the issues they care about the most.
Biejat's stance represents a larger ideological viewpoint within her party, which stands in stark contrast to the policies proposed by the current governing coalition. As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on her campaign as she continues to articulate her vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of the population over profit motives.
This election season marks a critical time in Polish politics, and Biejat’s candidacy will undoubtedly shape discussions concerning the future of Poland's social and health policies. In her quest for the presidency, Biejat is not just running for office; she is pushing for a revolutionary change in how the Polish government approaches critical social issues, making it clear that the welfare of the citizens will take precedence over financial gain.
