Economy Minister almost admits defeat as unemployment is set to rise

Economy and Labor Minister Jerzy Hausner said on Saturday that in February unemployment is likely to jump to 18.9% from 18.7% in January. "I hope the rate will start easing in March, but much will depend on the weather and when the construction season will start," he said, continuing, "If I were to judge the economic trends based on the first two months of the year, then I would have to say that reaching the 3.5% growth goal is becoming less probable." In his opinion the government's activities aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship have failed to succeed. There were few infrastructure investments and the "first job" program yielded poor results. "Since the government's previous program went to pieces it has no other choice than to seek help in the so-called Kolodko package." Hausner said. (www.onet.pl; Reuters) A.Z.