During the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate was held on the deteriorating living conditions in the EU. PiS MEP Elżbieta Rafalska spoke during the discussion.
Speaking about deteriorating living conditions in the EU, Elżbieta Rafalska presented the latest data for 2022, which indicate that 6.7 percent—or 28.9 million Europeans—are at risk of material and social deprivation. She noted that even more people are at risk of poverty, pointing out that this problem affects 16.5 percent—or 73 million Europeans. She noted that the variation among member states is very significant, ranging from 10% to 23%. “In my country, Poland, this rate stands at 13.7 percent and is among the lowest,” said the MEP. She mentioned that this is the result of the United Right government’s effective policies, successful social initiatives, a strong labor market, economic growth, and an increase in the minimum wage. Elżbieta Rafalska noted, however, that this situation could change. “Donald Tusk’s new government suspended the zero VAT rate on food as of April 1, which could hit the poorest people the hardest,” she warned.
