We are outraged by the content of the statement made by the President of the National Bank of Poland, Adam Glapiński, who unjustifiably accused economists and journalists of lacking objectivity, being politicized, and even – of harming Poland during the conference held on October 5.
During the conference led by the NBP President, many shocking statements were made, which are incompatible with the solemnity of the office held and its statutory apolitical nature. This concerns both the content and form, which dramatically deviate from the communication standards of central banks in democratic countries. As a result of this kind of communication, immense damage is caused to the reputation of the NBP, which in turn can negatively affect the confidence of entities investing in the Polish financial market. The central bank’s communication with the market environment should in no way contain epithets aimed at people, presenting different analyses. In that case, a discussion which should lead to increasing transparency and effectiveness of monetary policy is not possible.
Experts and journalists have the right to participate freely in public debate, especially as it concerns very important issues for society as a whole. Ethics and social responsibility even demand that they inform the public about potential problems or challenges, regardless of whether this is consistent with the assessment of the NBP President or the government.
On behalf of the Polish Society of Economists, we call for a debate in which the only form of conflict is a substantiated argument.
The Board of the Polish Society of Economists
