Concerns grow over meeting 2001 budget deficit target as spending soars

By the end of January of this year budgetary spending reached zl.16.7 billion, according to the Treasury Ministry. This means Poland's deficit has already reached 25% of the total planned for 2001, sparking fears among analysts that the government may very well be unable to meet its 2001 deficit target this year. Monetary Policy Council (RPP) member Grzegorz Wojtowicz said the large figure comes from zl.1.6 billion spent in January on foreign debt servicing and the transfer of funds earmarked for pensions and other benefits. Together the deficit in January was zl.5.1 billion, or 25% of the 2001 budget deficit targeted at zl.20.5 billion. (Prawo I Gospodarka, Feb. 17-18, p.2; Parkiet, Feb. 17-19, p.1) J.K.