The Polish Minister of Education, Przemysław Czarnek, highlighted the growing demographic crisis impacting schools in Poland, particularly emphasizing the significant decline in birth rates over the years. Specifically, he noted that only 273,000 children were born in Poland in 2023, with projections indicating that this number will fall to 238,000 by 2025. The minister expressed concern that this demographic shift, especially among the youth aged 7-14, could lead to a reduction of nearly 5% by 2029, disproportionately affecting rural and small-town schools.

Czarnek asserted that schools are vital to the community's heart, emphasizing the need for schools to be accessible and of high quality, irrespective of a child's location. He argued that Polish villages and towns are experiencing depopulation, and as schools play a crucial role in community life, it is essential that the government ensures that every child has equal access to quality education. This accessibility is critical for fostering a supportive environment for children across various regions in Poland.

The Minister did not shy away from criticizing the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), suggesting that they have overlooked the impending 'demographic tsunami' and its potential ramifications on the educational landscape. By accusing the previous government of ignoring these demographic challenges, Czarnek called for urgent actions to be taken to address the systemic issues plaguing education in Poland, especially in the context of dwindling student numbers in rural areas.