Today in Strasbourg, during the ongoing plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate took place on the European Central Bank’s 2024 report. During the discussion, which included ECB President Christine Lagarde, PiS MEPs Marlena Maląg and Bogdan Rzońca spoke.
Marlena Maląg noted that the European Central Bank’s role is clear—it is to combat inflation and ensure economic stability and the safety of citizens. At the same time, she noted, the institution has been operating under difficult conditions for years and has fallen victim to political maneuvering, conflicting interests, and ideological pressures.
The PiS MEP pointed out that the ECB continues to fight inflation, but during the pandemic it made mistakes whose effects are still being felt today. According to the Polish politician, “there is, however, a chance for a better tomorrow,” and, as she stated, “there are signs of reason in the discussion on monetary policy.”
“On one condition—the ECB cannot be a tool of politicians. It is the guardian of financial stability, not a hostage to ideology,” she reminded her audience.
The vice-chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) also addressed the issue of the digital euro, stating that it is intended to complement, not replace, cash. She emphasized, however, that any action on this matter requires dialogue with EU member states, not arbitrary decision-making. “More common sense and independence, less ideology. For the good of the Union, its institutions, and its citizens,” she urged.
Bogdan Rzońca stated that the document under discussion, prepared by the Parliament, “is better than in previous years.” The ECR coordinator on the Budget Committee emphasized that the European Central Bank should, above all, take into account the fundamental economic indicators of individual countries—only then will its interventions be more credible. At the same time, the MEP said that the ECB should provide assistance in emergency situations. “The European Central Bank must be immune to ideology,” the MEP said, emphasizing that “common sense is very much needed in the Bank’s actions.” “There should be no preferential treatment for any companies or industries—only a sound economy and the Bank’s targeted interventions in crisis-stricken areas,” Rzońca noted.
On the topic of the digital euro, the Polish politician stated that “true economic freedom always involves the use of free funds and real cash, and we cannot block that.” He also said that “we must not be afraid of the United States; we need to adopt the best solutions from there—then the European Union will also be better.”
