Energy and mining sectors cannot be recipients of favoritism: Piechota

The Economy Ministry is looking for "optimal solutions" for Poland's entire economy and cannot show any favoritism towards the mining or energy sectors, Economy Minister Jacek Piechota told miners during his visit to Silesia yesterday. The Supreme Board of Inspection (NIK) reported that the mining sector has received zl. 34 billion in financial aid since 1990, and still has debts of zl. 21 billion. Piechota said that another rise in coal prices was unacceptable because the Polish economy would not withstand it. The energy and mining sectors will have to do their best to lower their costs and become competitive as Poland accedes to the European Union (EU). The coal mining reform program will be completed in June, by which time three coal holding companies will have been created. The Ministry is also working on implementing a six-day week for the most effective coal mines, while unprofitable mines will be closed down in phases. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A3, B2) A.D.