Tusk taps 'Polish Elon Musk' to drive economic deregulation

WARSAW - After presenting a new economic package for Poland on Monday, PM Donald Tusk (PO, EPP) appointed an entrepreneur to prepare recommendations for deregulating the Polish economy.

The task assigned to Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of the courier company InPost, whom the media dubbed the "Polish Elon Musk" following Tusk's nomination, is similar to Musk's role in the new U.S. administration. He is expected to recommend changes aimed at simplifying regulations and increasing the efficiency of the Polish economy.

“I can't imagine that this deregulation, which is supposed to make life easier and create more space for Polish entrepreneurs - from the smallest businesses to those with significant resources - is just a bureaucratic process,” said Tusk, explaining his decision to appoint an entrepreneur to the role.

“In the last few days, I've read two interviews and one statement saying that deregulation is not difficult - it just requires the will to do it, and that you know exactly what to do. So, get on with it,” Tusk told Brzoska.

Founded in 1999, Brzoska's InPost has achieved tremendous success, becoming one of the largest courier companies on the Polish market, on a par with foreign companies such as DHL and FedEx. Innovative solutions, such as the introduction of a nationwide network of parcel lockers, have played a significant role in this success.

“Challenge accepted”

Tusk suggested that Brzoska and other appointed business leaders prepare initial recommendations for changes that do not require legislation - avoiding lengthy procedures and political risks such as lack of majority support or lack of signatures. He said he wants policies that are precise and carefully crafted by business leaders, not bureaucrats.

“Challenge accepted,” Brzoska replied to Tusk at the joint press conference. "I will do everything to unite the business community and, together with politicians from all sides, the government, civil servants and social organizations, prepare concrete proposals for deregulation reforms," he later wrote on X.

The new economic plan, which Tusk announced on Monday (February 10), includes raising the VAT exemption threshold, investments in Poland by companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon, the construction of a container terminal in Świnoujście, GDP growth to 4%, deregulation for entrepreneurs and the establishment of a new AI factory in Poznań. The plan is worth 140 billion zlotys.

Deregulation is what Tusk called for in his recent speech to the European Parliament outlining the priorities of the Polish EU presidency. Despite the scepticism expressed by progressive groups after the debate following Tusk's speech, the proposal is increasingly being discussed in Brussels.

Maroš Šefčovič, who presented the Commission's program for 2025 on Wednesday (12 February), seemed to follow the path, announcing the simplification of legislation and the reduction of burdens in order to boost the bloc's competitiveness.

“We will propose unprecedented simplification to unleash opportunity, innovation and growth,” the commissioner told MEPs.

(Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | Euractiv.pl)