Gilowska returns

Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński reappointed Zyta Gilowska to the posts of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister at the end of last week, after he dismissed Agriculture Minister Andrzej Lepper. Gilowska's return, long expected by markets and analysts, was overshadowed by the collapse of the coalition.

After the reappointment Gilowska expressed her confidence in the country's strong economic fundamentals, which according to her would ride out the ongoing political crisis. "We have good economic parameters, a lot of funds from the European Union," she stressed. She said that she hoped that that the ruling parties would overcome the latest crisis and keep the country on a fast growth track.

During the nomination ceremony PM Kaczyński also thanked the previous Finance Minster Stanisław Kluza, who might now become the head of the new Financial Supervision Commission (KNF). Previously, it was suggested that this post may go to Cezary Mech, who has previously clashed with Gilowska.

Gilowska was dismissed in June by the then-PM Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz over allegations that she had collaborated with the communist secret services (SB). Last month, the vetting court ruled that her vetting statement was truthful, which paved the way for her comeback. "Justice has been done," stressed Kaczyński during the appointment ceremony.

It has been suggested that due to Gilowska's return to the government, the new vetting regulations, which the Parliament has been working on for several months, might be scrapped. According to the new bill, Gilowska would be considered a personal source of information for the SB and it may be impossible for her to hold any important public post. (Reuters)