Poland: Reviewing Public Expenditure, Reforming the Social Sector

On May 17, 2010, CASE hosted World Bank Senior Economist Kaspar Richter, CASE Fellow Mateusz Walewski, and World Bank Country Manager for Poland and the Baltic States, Thomas Laursen, for a Policy Research Seminar to discuss the issue of public expenditure and social reform in Poland.  Thomas Laursen introduced the release of the annual World Bank Public Expenditure Review, while Kaspar Richter’s presentation outlined the findings of the report. 

Richter’s presentation commended Poland for allocating public funds “fairly well”, for reducing social spending, and for attaining high levels of efficiency in sectors such as health and education. 

Despite this positive prognosis, Richter emphasized that there are areas where change is imperative.  The three most important areas are public wages, pension and education. Among other recommendations the report also explains the need for achieving medium-term fiscal consolidation, and stresses that it is dangerous for Poland to continue to count on EU-cohesion funds. 

Following Mr. Richter’s presentation, Mateusz Walewski commented on the report findings and recommendations.  He perceived greater flaws within the sectors which Mr. Richter applauded for their efficiency and proposed additional questions to be addressed in future public expenditure reviews. 

View Kaspar Richter’s presentation and the full text Public Expenditure Review.