Fitch Affirms Poland Rating, Negative Outlook Amid 'Wide' Fiscal Deficit, Political Concerns

12:32 AM EDT, 08/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Fitch maintained its A- long-term issuer default rating on Poland, with a negative outlook, according to an Aug. 21 release. The rating is bolstered by the country's diversified and resilient economy, European Union-backed policy framework and solid external finances relative to its peers. However, "wide" fiscal deficits, "rapidly rising" government debt levels and lower income and governance metrics offset these strengths, with the negative outlook reflecting the lack of a "credible" fiscal consolidation strategy. As Fitch believes local politics prevent fiscal consolidation, the rating agency added that it forecasts the general government deficit to stay elevated at 6.9% of gross domestic product in 2026, compared with the current peer median of 3%.