Poll shows Poles want higher health spending and cuts in public administration, as budget talks near

A new survey by SW Research for Dziennik Gazety Prawnej indicates that Poles believe the state should increase spending on health care. At the same time, most respondents think savings should come from public administration.

The government is finalizing work on the 2027 budget draft. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a Friday address that the state will not reduce spending in three key areas: security, health care, and investments. According to his announcement, health care spending is expected to rise by 17 billion zloty next year compared with the current level.

The SW Research poll, commissioned by Dziennik Gazety Prawnej, shows clear budget priorities among Poles. A large majority of respondents—67.6 percent—said the largest share of funds should go to health care.

Security, including the military and police, was the second most cited area, with 43.6 percent of respondents supporting higher spending there.

According to the survey, 35.8 percent of respondents want more spending on education, while 24.3 percent favor infrastructure investments in roads and related projects. Nearly the same share—24.9 percent—supports higher spending on benefits, including pensions and the 800+ program.

When asked where cuts might be made if necessary, respondents pointed first to public administration, including offices and courts, with 39.8 percent backing this option. Benefits were the second area for potential cuts, supported by 25.2 percent of respondents. At the same time, 22.5 percent of those surveyed said they would not support cuts in any of the listed areas and would prefer to increase state revenue instead.

According to Business Insider PL, the survey reflects growing public pressure on budget choices as the government prepares the 2027 draft.