Deputies continues to attack Hausner's budget cuts

Yesterday in Parliament deputies criticized the program of rationalizing social expenditures proposed by Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner. However, he believes that he would be able to convince a majority to back his proposals, as the alternative to budget cuts is the collapse of state finances. "If this happens, than the poorest will end up paying the highest price," said Hausner. He added that this is the last moment to limit budget expenditures rationally instead of cutting all that was possible. "We were reducing state expenditure back in 2001 when we were threatened with the Bauc budget hole, caused by previous coalition. If we do not act now, then it will end terribly for the state," explained the Minister. Zbyszek Zaborowski from Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) pointed to contractions in Hausner's policies, "You want to keep pension programs in check, but at the same time restructure industry, which is pushing people towards early retirement." (Parkiet, p. 6, Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, B2) M.M.