Former provincial capitals are being unfairly treated. Investors are avoiding them due to flawed regulations.

The regulation introduced during the rule of Law and Justice puts Częstochowa in a worse position than other cities - we read in a statement from the Częstochowa city hall.

These are cities that have been granted the status of a unit losing its socio-economic functions (as was the case with most former voivodeship capitals), or are adjacent to such a city. Częstochowa falls into neither category.

- In Częstochowa, the threshold of investment expenditure for large companies entitling them to public aid is as much as PLN 80 million, compared to PLN 10 million in many other locations (including, for example, Katowice and other cities of the Silesian agglomeration), the office said in a statement.

I want Częstochowa to be a competitive location and place of work compared to other cities in the region and the country, which is why I sent a letter to Minister Andrzej Domański with a request to amend the regulation and add a provision that would also reward former voivodeship cities in order to maintain development balance in the entire region.

- says Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk, mayor of Częstochowa.

He adds that despite the excellent location, availability of land and staff, investors often decide against locating in Częstochowa or neighboring municipalities because the difference in costs required to obtain tax relief is huge.

Therefore, the authorities of Częstochowa propose that the ministerial regulation should also include former voivodeship cities, which are not classified as cities losing their socio-economic functions, as well as their neighbouring municipalities and poviats, in the preferential rules for companies.

At the same time, Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk presented the "Plan for New Częstochowa." It involves activities aimed at creating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurship, and the city's competitiveness.

The program was based on three elements:

• Częstochowa as a center for the development of artificial intelligence
• The defense industry hub around the Częstochowa Steelworks.
• Preparation and development of new investment areas.

"New opportunities mean new jobs and new investors. New opportunities mean a Częstochowa of real possibilities—stable employment, professional development, and attracting investment," said the president.