As hopes to form a government fade, talk turns to an autumn general election

Marek Borowski, the leader of Polish Social Democracy (SDPL), stated in an interview with Rzeczpospolita that there is "still a chance" that they will agree to support Marek Belka's government. The condition set was that both President Kwaśniewski and Belka will agree to the SDPL's proposal to hold a general election in November. Borowski added that the present balance of political forces means there is an impasse and no government can be formed that can govern the country. Meanwhile, Law and Justice (PiS) proposed another solution, namely, that the Sejm should vote to dissolve itself, but the decision would take effect later to allow an election in September. Deputy Prime Minister Jerzy Hausner meanwhile seems to have all but given up hope and yesterday morning on radio TOK FM said that if elections are to be held, then the sooner the better, even with an August date. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A3; Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 3) E.B.