In the context of ongoing audits of expenses from the Horeca program, which covered only a fraction of all KPO expenditure, Sobolewski emphasized the importance of proper investment direction. As he noted, although the scandal concerns “Less than a percentage of all expenditure in KPO”this shows the importance of responsible management of public funds.
The scale and importance of the KPO in an economic context
“KPO money is a potential flywheel of the Polish economy. PLN 260 billion is not so much, It seems to everyone, because investments in Poland are currently approaching PLN 700 billion” – explained Sobolewski. The economist pointed out that these funds” spread over a few years are such an afterburner, it is not something that completely changes the landscape. “
This perspective takes on special significance in the light of the government's announcement about record investments in 2025. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that investments in Poland will exceed PLN 650 billion, and can reach up to PLN 700 billion. “This is a record amount. There was no such one in the history of the Polish economy” – emphasized the head of government.
Conditions for effective use of funds
According to the main economist of the Employers of the Republic of Poland, two aspects are crucial for the success of spending KPO. First of all, “this property that we will create thanks to KPO, because it will be roads, it will be railways, it will be hospitals, it will be equipment equipment, it will be equipment for public facilities” It should be “the most productive”.
Sobolewski indicated specific areas where investments can bring the greatest benefits. In his opinion, “Either reduce bureaucracy or increase digitization, or equip us with machines, devices, technologies that will ensure an increase in the economy over time and ensure an increase in budget revenues“.
“This should be the basis for us to be able to produce more in the future,” added the expert, emphasizing the importance of a long -term approach to public investments.
Assessment of previous activities
When asked about the actual efficiency of using funds, Sobolewski answered diplomatically: “It is differentbecause it depends where the eye, where to look, where, where to put the ear. “The economist also referred directly to the controversy around the Horeca program, calling them a” fraction “of all expenses.
“We are talking about a fraction, we talk about less than the percentage of all expenditure in the KPO, so we should focus on this large picture,” said Sobolewski. At the same time, he expressed the hope that “all irregularities would be checked where necessary, the money would be suspended or withdrawn.”
Political and administrative context
Sobolewski's statements gain special significance in the context of the government announced by the government. Deputy Minister of Funds Jan Szyszko announced that the first information about irregularities reached the management of the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy a few weeks ago. Therefore, at the end of July, the PARP president Katarzyna Duber-Stachurska lost his position.
The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development has announced comprehensive controls of HoReCa projects financed from KPO. Preliminary results are to be available until the end of September 2025. The support program for the hotel and catering industry provided for co-financing from PLN 50 to 540 thousand for entrepreneurs who suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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