Daniel Obajtek proposes state enterprise mergers and 30-day permit deadlines

State asset consolidation and energy strategy

Speaking at a Law and Justice economic convention, Daniel Obajtek set aside a planned formal report to present a strategy centered on merging state-owned enterprises. Obajtek called for consolidations across energy, logistics, railways, manufacturing, and banking-insurance sectors to build scale for large capital projects. He argued that Poland's financial sector cannot support large-scale investments, noting that domestic banks failed to supply 4 to 5 billion zlotys for Baltic offshore wind projects estimated at 300 billion zlotys. Obajtek proposed consolidating the energy sector into two large state groups and absorbing the domestic fertilizer industry into Orlen to buffer raw gas prices against production costs. An attempt to integrate the fertilizer segment was prepared in 2023 before being halted by parliamentary elections.

No Polish bank could provide capital of even 4 to 5 billion zlotys, and we are talking about investments worth 300 billion zlotys.

During his address, Obajtek cited his tenure as Orlen chief executive, noting that the company moved from 270th to 27th place globally among fuel and energy corporations, ended imports of Russian hydrocarbons, and developed a dedicated fleet of liquefied natural gas carriers.

Regulatory timelines and procurement rules

To reduce investment delays, Obajtek proposed a 30-day statutory limit for public administration offices to issue decisions on strategic projects. Under the plan, agency heads would face personal financial liability if their offices exceed the 30-day deadline without issuing permits. Obajtek argued that high borrowing and security costs mean administrative delays frequently result in project cancellations. He stated that utility connections and land preparation for industrial factories must take no longer than six months, compared to existing timelines of three to four years. Obajtek also proposed restructuring public procurement rules to favor Polish manufacturers, expanding the requirement to minority state-owned enterprises that operate under internal purchasing rules.

If a company benefits from the Polish economy, Polish infrastructure, and the Polish market, it should first and foremost use Polish producers and Polish products.

Agricultural energy funds and tax proposals

Obajtek proposed creating a Biogas and Biomethane Development Fund to provide agricultural producers with new revenue sources. He pointed out that Germany currently operates approximately 9,000 biogas plants, while Poland has roughly 200 operational facilities. To provide market certainty, state energy companies would sign direct five-year supply agreements with farmers for rapeseed and biocomponent materials. Obajtek also suggested reviewing the national tax framework by exploring a potential replacement of the corporate income tax with a turnover tax, framing the concept as a subject for technical analysis.

We must immediately create a Biogas and Biomethane Development Fund. This will give agricultural holdings an additional, stable source of income.

Private capital integration and nuclear power

The economic proposal introduces a model allowing domestic private capital to take up to 50 percent stakes in strategic projects alongside state enterprises through dedicated special purpose vehicles. Obajtek stated that 50-50 joint ventures would accelerate decision cycles and shield infrastructure programs from political transitions without transferring ownership of core state assets. The plan also calls for deploying small modular nuclear reactors, completing the Central Communication Port to its original scale, and operating state administration under corporate key performance indicators. Obajtek proposed establishing a dedicated agency financed by state company dividends to take control of coal assets and lower energy prices.