Today, a hearing is underway in the Polish Sejm for candidates for the position of Chair of the Fiscal Council—an independent, expert advisory body established by legislation on December 20, 2024, set to commence its operations on January 1, 2026.
This is an important day for Polish public finances. The Fiscal Council will assess macroeconomic forecasts, analyze the compliance of the state budget with national and EU fiscal rules, and strengthen transparency and stability within the entire public finance system. Its establishment complements the institutional architecture, which previously distinguished Poland from the European Union — as we were the only country without its own independent fiscal institution.
The Institute of Public Finance, from the very beginning of our existence, have emphasized how crucial the creation of such a an institution is for the quality of public debate and the credibility of the state. Today’s hearing also has a personal dimension for us.
We are proud that one of the candidates recommended by the Minister of Finance for the position of Chair of the Fiscal Council comes is one of the most experienced experts in public finances and a representative of non-governmental sector — Dr. Sławomir Dudek, President, co-founder, and chief economist of the IFP.
This is an important signal for the entire civic and expert community. It shows that the non-governmental sector — thanks to independence, competence, and consistent work — is a real forge of state officials and a partner in building modern institutions. This is exactly what the mission of think tanks is: to prepare well-founded, knowledge-based proposals, scrutinize authorities, but also strengthen the state through the development of expert personnel,” comments Patrycja Satora, Vice President of the Institute.
We are convinced that the achievements, knowledge, and determination of Dr. Sławomir Dudek are precisely what the Fiscal Council needs in its first term:
– building the institution from the bottom,
– establishing high standards of independence and credibility,
– enhancing transparency and accountability in public finances.
The Fiscal Council may become one of the key elements of a modern state — an institution that will serve citizens for years to come.
We follow the selection process with hope and believe that Poland has an important opportunity to strengthen the foundations of responsible fiscal policy.
