Prof. Julian Auleytner, the economist behind Poland’s 500 plus child benefit, has proposed a new social program: cheap, long-term loans for young people to fund their professional and family start. The loans could reach up to 500,000 PLN, with low installments and a repayment period of up to 30 years.
Auleytner, a specialist in social policy, first outlined the concept of 100 euros (400 PLN) per child back in 2011. After the 2015 elections, the Law and Justice government implemented the idea as the 500 plus program, later increased to 800 plus. In an interview with Business Insider Polska, he was asked what socially needed and politically feasible program could be introduced now.
The economist replied that it could be a program of crediting the future of young people. – This is necessary and addresses the problems we have in Poland. I am a proponent of financing life start: large, cheap and long-term loans for professional and family development, repaid in low installments, with clear criteria for evaluating the life project – he said.
A loan for a life project, not status
Auleytner stressed that the funding would be for a life project, not for status. – Young person brings a plan, the state provides a financial lever. This addresses young people’s challenges better than declarations and one-off programs – he emphasized. Asked about practical implementation, he replied that everything would depend on the quality of the project – the better the project, the higher the amount and better terms.
– It would be individual projects – around 500,000 PLN for a life start after high school or studies, with the possibility of higher amounts for very good projects – he added. For projects based on modern technologies and verified good practices, he sees no problem in reaching the cost of one apartment – up to 500,000 PLN, with a mortgage security and a repayment period of up to 30 years.
– For projects based on modern technologies, verified by good practice, I see no problem in reaching amounts equal to the cost of one apartment – even up to 500,000 PLN, with mortgage security and a repayment period of up to 30 years – he explained.
Economic and social impulse
According to Auleytner, such a program would be not only a social but also an economic stimulus. – The loan gives agency, and if well-designed, it returns to the state with interest in taxes and growth – the expert stated. He believes it would help address Poland’s demographic and professional challenges, offering young people a real chance to build their future without being tied to unstable housing or labor markets.
The proposal has already sparked debate among economists and politicians. Critics point to the risk of increased public debt and potential defaults, while supporters see it as a needed investment in human capital. No official government response has been issued yet, but the idea echoes the earlier success of the 500 plus program.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. KPRM/Flickr.com
