Belka: NBP's mandate unchanged

Marek Belka, president of the National Bank of Poland (NBP), told reporters from TVN Biś that there is no suggestion of any change for the mandate of the bank, based on talks with Minister of Finance Paweł Szałamacha and Vice-premier Mateusz Morawiecki. "I thank all agencies and observers for their care of the NBP. If any dangerous signs regarding the independence of the NBP appear, I will swiftly comment on and denounce them." he added. The head of the NBP also addressed the recent fall in value of the złoty, saying "I will do everything to ensure its stability." He added that lowering interest rates is not an option that is being considered right now. Belka also touched upon the franc mortgage and banking tax bills drafted by the government recently, calling the combination "a recipe for a banking crisis." Contending that it would overwhelm the banking system in Poland, he called for the minister of Finance to extend his analysis of the bill.