Polish PM Tusk seeks ‘sacrifices’ to curb debt

POLAND’S newly re-elected prime minister said yesterday he would raise the retirement age to 67 in a series of austerity measures to cut public debt.

The measures, which include various tax hikes, indicate Donald Tusk finally plans to tackle the painful reforms some economists have called for. His first term was marked by some privatisation but a gradualist approach to fundamental change.

Mr Tusk said his plans would require “sacrifice” by Poland’s 38 million citizens to ensure the economy remains robust despite global uncertainty.

He said achieving financial discipline would entail “unpopular steps that will require sacrifice and understanding from everyone, without exceptions”.

“Only strong players will survive in the crisis,” Mr Tusk said in his first policy speech to the Polish parliament after his pro-market Civic Platform party won re-election last month.

He added: “We need to be strong to play a role in Europe.”