Zielińska: If individual cannot afford to buy an electrician let him drive ditch

As of 2035, the sale of fresh combustion cars within the European Union will be banned. This regulation has sparked many discussions among politicians, economists and citizens. 1 of the most controversial voices in this debate is the Minister of Climate and Environment, Urszula Zielińska. Her statements on the future of transport in Poland, peculiarly in the context of the request to replace conventional cars with more costly electrical vehicles, have caused quite a few excitement.

“If you can’t afford an electrician, buy a bike” – the controversial message of the minister Zielińska

Minister Urszula Zielińska referred to the upcoming EU ban on the sale of combustion cars during an interview for “Polish Radio One”. According to her, not all Pole will be able to buy an costly electrical car, so those who cannot afford specified an expense should consider buying an electrical bicycle. As Zielińska stressed, the government plans to introduce subsidies on electrical bicycles, which is to encourage citizens to choose this mode of transport.

"Not everyone can afford an electrical car, this is simply a large expense. On the another hand, an electrical bike with an extra charge can be rather attractive. Older people who do not have the strength everywhere to ride a bike, specified a simple electrical bicycle will arrive in many places," said Zielińska.

This message has sparked criticism among both experts and citizens, who indicate that the Minister's proposal may be impractical to many people, especially those surviving in agrarian areas or in smaller towns, where the distances to be covered are much greater and that cycling infrastructure frequently leaves much to be desired.

Urszula Zielińska and her imagination of the future of Poland

This is not the first controversial message by Urszula Zielińska, which sparked discussions about the direction in which the Polish economy and transport should be heading. During her visit to Brussels, Minister Zielińska stated that Poland should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent. In addition, she stated that investments in river transport are "completely unprofitable" and "kill our rivers".

According to Zielińska, Poland should focus on another forms of transport, which are more environmentally friendly. Her statements propose that the government plans to focus on developing electrical transport, including both cars and electrical bicycles, to aid accomplish ambitious climate targets.

Responses to proposals by Minister Zielińska

Minister Zielińska's comments met with mixed reception. On the 1 hand, environmentalists and sustainable improvement advocate plans to reduce emissions and advance electrical bicycles as an ecological alternate to combustion cars. On the another hand, critics argue that the Minister's proposals are disconnected from the realities of everyday life of Poles, especially those who live in little developed regions and request reliable means of transport for longer distances.

There are besides voices that the climate policy of Poland should be more balanced and take into account the various social and economical needs of the country. Despite the controversy that sparks her statements, Minister Zielińska remains determined to prosecute a policy focused on protecting the environment and reducing emissions, which is in line with European climate objectives.

Summary

The ban on the sale of combustion cars since 2035 is only 1 of many elements of the European Union's larger climate strategy. For Poland, this means that it is essential to adapt to fresh regulations and to search alternate forms of transport. Statements by Minister Urszula Zielińska show that the government is considering different scenarios, including the improvement of electrical transport and electrical bicycles, although not without controversy and opposition from parts of the society. What the final solutions will look like and what their consequences will be for Polish citizens, will show the time.

Daniel Głogowski

Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.