Morality of loan repayment weakening in Poland
Poles remain broadly committed to repaying debts, but tolerance for financial misconduct has increased over the past decade. According to a 2026 survey by the Association of Financial Companies, 88% now view debt repayment as an absolute moral obligation, down from 97% in 2016. Younger people, borrowers struggling with repayments, and consumers who feel mistreated by financial institutions are more likely to justify unethical behavior.
Working off the books to avoid wage garnishment, transferring assets to relatives, and paying cash to evade VAT are among the most commonly accepted practices. Respondents consider unpaid child support and overdue business-to-business liabilities particularly harmful because they can directly affect families and trigger wider financial problems.
(pb.pl)
