2005 The year in brief: MAY
GDP for 2005
The IMF projects an economic growth rate of around 4% for Poland in 2005. Despite that, the 2005 budget is based on a predicted GDP growth rate of 5%. The IMF also urged the authorities to reform the tax system, reduce the budget deficit to 2% of GDP by 2008, and reform the labor market by raising employees' skills, reducing the tax wedge and encouraging labor mobility. (Poland A.M.)
No dissolution
After a heated debate, the Sejm votes not to dissolve itsefl. Deputies from the opposition parties fail to collect the 307 votes necessary to pass a resolution calling for an early end to the current parliament. The leaders of the opposition parties attack the SLD and the governments of Leszek Miller and Marek Belka for a lack of economic reforms, the collapse of the health sector and for using the secret services for their own interests.
Cimoszewicz pulls out
Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz announces that he will not be running in the presidential elections and will resign from political life when his term in office ends. Meanwhile, Polish Social Democracy (SDPL) leader Marek Borowski announces his plans to be a candidate for president. (Poland A.M.)
Tusk to run
Donald Tusk, the leader of Civic Platform announces he will be the party's candidate for President. Tusk presents his campaign slogan: "Courageously, but cautiously." According to his closest associates Tusk will facilitate the necessary changes in Poland. According to a Rzeczpospolita poll Tusk has 11% support, far behind Lech Kaczyński on 26%, and Zbigniew Religa on 16%.
First lady testifies
The Sejm Orlen Commission calls Poland's First Lady, Jolanta Kwaniewska, to testify and to reveal the financial sponsors of her Porozumienie Bez Barier foundation.
