Feb 26 • 06:00 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

The Costs of Alcohol Abuse, the Home Appliance Crisis, and Merz's Visit to China

A podcast discusses the rising costs of alcohol abuse in Poland, the challenges facing the household appliance industry, and a notable visit by a Polish politician to China.

In a recent episode of "Your Business," the podcast highlights alarming projections regarding the future costs of alcohol abuse in Poland. According to estimates from Rzeczpospolita, these costs may exceed 100 billion PLN by 2026, with significant social costs that are difficult to quantify. Dr. Bogusława Bukowska from the National Center for Prevention of Addictions notes that cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk have implemented nighttime alcohol sales bans, which have reportedly led to a 40% reduction in late-night interventions. However, despite these measures, alcohol availability remains high, with significant access in urban areas like Warsaw.

The podcast also addresses the pressure facing the household appliance (AGD) industry, which produced 26 million devices in 2025, marking a 4% decrease from the previous year. Poland remains a leading producer of large home appliances in Europe; however, the EU sector has contracted by 20% over five years. Factors contributing to this downturn include increasing energy costs, regulatory challenges, and a competitive market.

Lastly, the episode touches on the diplomatic realm, mentioning a visit by Polish politician Merz to China, although details on this visit were not extensively covered in the summary. This visit might hint at Poland's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties with China, indicating a broader strategy that could influence various sectors within the country. Overall, the podcast offers a multifaceted view of current economic challenges and political engagements in Poland.

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