“In three years, the issues regarding families and broadly understood matters related to family has become the central axis of further governmental projects. All of what we have done so far, what is being implemented, proposed, always refers in a way to matters related to family” – said the Vice-Prime Minister, Beata Szydło.

She underlined the fact that the position of a family changed. “It is appreciated, noticed; a family is seen as a very important element of developing Polish identity” – said the Vice-Prime Minister. Furthermore, the role and position of large families changed – she continued. As she underlined, this results from, among others, 500+ programme, which helped limiting poverty. “A large family became a symbol of a family, which is happy and gives a sense of security to their children, which is very positive” – said the Vice-Prime Minister.

The Minister, Elżbieta Rafalska said that families have fostered patriotism and the spirit of Polishness for years. “Invaders did not manage to destroy our national identity, language, arts, religion, literature, science, music, memory of the past” – she said.

She added that the country faces new challenges. “However, one is certain, we will not survive as a nation without a strong family” - she underlined. In her opinion, the indicator of the nation’s power cannot only be the increasing level of the GDP translating into improving material situation of the society. She announced that a special Family Board is being created at the Minister’s position. Furthermore, she informed that the International Family Forum is planned to be organised in the next year.

The Minister of Health, Łukasz Szumowski drew attention to the fact that family is important for health. “There is data stating that lonely persons live shorter. It is so, since the care provided by the closest family gives health benefits. It constitutes bringing up to a certain healthy lifestyle. We will not deal with challenges of civilisation diseases, if there is no upbringing of children at homes” – said the Minister.

This year National Debate on Family constitutes a part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. Over 120 persons participated in the event.