Polish Left seeks to end state funding of priests’ social contributions as government reform stalls

The Left party in Poland has proposed a bill to end state funding for clergy social security contributions, citing delays in reforming the Church Fund. The Polish People's Party opposes this bill, advocating for a system allowing taxpayers to choose their religious contributions. The Church Fund, established in 1950, subsidizes clergy health insurance and supports religious organizations. The proposed changes would require churches to cover half of clergy contributions, aligning them with regular workers. The bill has faced criticism for lack of consultation with religious communities and coalition partners, amid declining trust in the Catholic Church.