Polish press review 27/09/2007 - Government & Economy

POLITICS: Largest Opposition Party May Change Leader if Loses Elections - The largest opposition party, the centre-right Civic Platform (PO), may change its replace party leader Donald Tusk if Tusk fails to lead his party to winning the elections. Tusk allegedly said he will resign if PO fails at the polls. PO representatives did not comment the information. [Rzeczpospolita]

EU: Polish Foreign Minister to Meet with OSCE Head - Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga will meet with Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) head Angel Moratinos to discuss early parliamentary elections in Poland, as well as the possibility of allowing OSCE observers monitor the event. [Rzeczpospolita]

EU: European Court of Justice Spokesperson Could be Polish if Poland Agrees to Compromises - A Polish diplomat could become one of European Court of Justice's spokespeople if Poland agrees to accept the new EU Treaty and presumably drop the fight for implementing the so-called Ioannina compromise. [Rzeczpospolita]
EU: Polish Politicians Criticize Chairman of the Socialist Group at European Parliament Bashing Poland - Polish politicians jointly criticized Chairman of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, who earlier this week called for Poland to be isolated within in the European Union. Conservative, right wing and populist politicians felt most offended by German MEP's opinions. [Rzeczpospolita]

INFLATION: Central Banks' Monetary Policy Council Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged - The Central Bank's Monetary Policy Council (MPC) Wednesday kept Poland's official interest rates on hold, with the key reference rate staying at 4.75%, in line with expectations. The council wants to screen the influence of its earlier decisions on the economy and will probably raise interest rates in November. The decision is connected with Poland's political situation, as early parliamentary elections are to take place within less than a month, BZ WBK analyst Piotr Bielski said. [Parkiet]

DOMESTIC: Justice Minister Diminishes Notarial Acts Fees by Half - Justice Minister Zbigniews Ziobro announced that Notarial act fees will be diminished by half. Media estimate that the new regulation will come into life before early elections. Currently the price on compulsory notarial act, produced by a notary after buying a flat worth PLN 200.000 was PLN 1710, after the ruling the fee will diminish to PLN 785. [Rzeczpospolita]

ENVIRONMENT: Poland Could Implement EU Large Combustion Plants Directive Ahead of Due Date - Poland could implement the Large Combustion Plants Directive January 1 2008. The directive is aimed at reducing emissions of acidifying pollutants. [Rzeczpospolita]

INFRASTRUCTURE: Regional Development Minister Denies EC Data on Infrastructure Spending in Poland - Regional Development Minister Grazyna Gesicka said Poland spent about 32% of EU subsidies for infrastructure until August 2007, and denied the data of European Commission who published information this week saying that Poland spent only 16%, that is EUR 676 mln on infrastructure development until August 2007, out of the EUR 4.18 bln earmarked for the purpose. Gesicka said the information could be simply a mistake and the EC may have published old data. [Rzeczpospolita]
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