Good result as Polish budget deficit increased in first five months of this year

In May the budget deficit increased to between 63% and 65% of the planned amount for this year. "The deficit amounts to zl. 9.7 to zl. 10 billion against the planned zl. 15.4 billion for the year 2000," said a representative of the government who wished to remain anonymous. Citibank Polska analyst Katarzyna Zajdel said this result was satisfying and means there has been no loosening of fiscal policy. The Treasury will announce the figures officially on June 15. Last year, the deficit after five months amounted to 78.5% of the planned amount. This was because of healthcare and administrative reforms, and higher spending on the Social Insurance Fund (FUS). (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 2) M.M.