Poland: Finance minister resigns after failed tax reform

In Polandthe Minister of Finance Tanteus Kosinskiwas found guilty of a failure tax reformsubmitted his resignation, which was accepted by the leadership of the ruling Conservative Party Law and Justice (PiS).

“The minister took political responsibility for some of the shortcomings that occurred during the implementation of the new tax rules,” said his spokeswoman. PiS, Anita Cervinska, at a press conference. “Until a new candidate is selected, the duties of finance minister will be held by Prime Minister Matthew Morawiecki,” without naming a possible successor.

The resignation Kosinski comes after ambiguities in the new tax rules that came into force earlier this year, the implementation of which has politically weakened the government.

After being rapidly adopted at the end of 2021 and entered into force at the beginning of the year, and promoted by the Prime Minister Morawiecki with the full support of his leader PiS, Yaroslav Kaczynskithe so-called “Polish class” reform, aimed at lowering tax burdens for the vast majority of Poles.

Quickly renamed by critics of the reform into “Polish chaos”, the plan has caused confusion in business circles and is accused of adding new charges to be paid by employers.

The tax program caused waves of discontent in various social and professional groups that saw their wages fall in late January, amid inflation that reached 8.6% in December. Some low-wage earners, such as teachers, have seen pay cuts instead of increases.

After efforts to defend the new tax system and correct mistakes, its head PiS finally acknowledged last week the need for a “review” and announced “decisions at the political and individual level”, accusing officials of “possible lack of skills and perhaps also goodwill”.

The new rules remain vague, even to tax experts, critics say.

THE Kosinski was one of the leading figures behind the reform and was criticized even by some of his deputy ministers.

Source: News Beast

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