Belka's resignation leads to speculation over his successor as Finance Minister

On Thursday evening it was almost certain that Prime Minister Leszek Miller favors Grzegorz Ko3odko as the new Finance Minister, following Marek Belka's resignation on Tuesday, although President Kwasniewski has so far declined to comment on the candidature as a meeting of President and Prime Minister, scheduled for Thursday evening, was cancelled. As Gazeta Wyborcza disc overed, Miller contacted Ko3odko, currently on holiday, and offered him the Finance Ministry helm. According to one Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) member, Ko3odko wants to be considered as a candidate. Also, the majority of people close to Leszek Miller see Ko3odko as the most likely choice. During the day some remarks came from the President's office, saying that spe culations in the media over who is to be Finance Minister were unsubst antiated. Some sources state that the president would like to see Danuta Huebner in that position, but that she is reluctant to take it. Another candidature which may be considered is present Labor Minister Jerzy Hausner who, it is rumored, will agree if necessary. Thursday's cancelled meeting should now take place today. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p1) A.L