Ariel Fecyk, a councillor from Platforma Samorządowa, submitted two interpellations during the January meeting of the Bolesławiec City Council. One concerned whether “in connection with the government’s decision to suspend the implementation of subsidies for in vitro procedures, the mayor sees the possibility of the Municipality financing the aforementioned measure.”
He added: “I know that some local governments are deciding to take such a step. I realize that this is a strongly worldview-related debate and may arouse many emotions, but I feel obliged to ask such a question.”
“Formally: yes,” replied mayor Piotr Roman. “Substantively, meaning financially: not this year, because you [chodzi o radnych – przyp. „ii”] have already adopted the budget. Whether this will be possible in the following years—I do not know, because it depends on you. I will not see an opportunity to increase funding for healthcare programs, so if you decide, for example, to abandon measures concerning the prevention of tooth decay in children and want to redirect those funds to in vitro treatment, that is what will happen. The Council has the right to do so.”
Czy Gmina Miejska powinna dofinansowywać leczenie niepłodności metodą in vitro?
“The formal possibilities exist,” the mayor continued. “There are no financial possibilities, and I do not know whether there will be any, especially since very difficult times are ahead for local governments.”
P. Roman emphasized that municipal officials do not even know how many children will start first grade in primary schools on September 1, or whether lower secondary schools will be abolished. And if so, when? “I suspect that it will become increasingly difficult,” the mayor added. “You must prepare for the fact that municipalities in Poland will now be going through a difficult financial turning point. Unless compensation measures are introduced.”
We will return to this subject.