European journals report on negative effects of Poland's political crises

Reports by major European journals on the political crises that has engulfed Poland have mostly been confined to the adverse effect it could have on ongoing accession talks with the European Union (EU). According to Der Standard of Austria, since the demise of communism 11 years ago, Poles have never been so disgruntled with their government to a point where they begin to divert sympathies to such extremists as Andrzej Lepper. The paper adds that Jerzy Buzek is more like a fireman constantly dousing the rows in the coalition at the expense of the vital functions of governing. The French Le Monde asserts that the most serious crisis would come if Finance Minister Leszek Balcerowicz left the government, as this would be a blow to investor confidence and consequently to talks with the EU on Poland's possible early accession to the EU. The daily L'Echo of Belgium is of the opinion that the resignation of such personalities as Foreign Minister Geremek and his Defense counterpart Onyskiewicz could have repercussions on relations with western institutions, especially the EU and NATO. (Zycie, page 3) S.M.