Government aim at 2007 for Maastricht budget deficit agreement

The state budget deficit will be slowly reduced, aimed at fulfilling the Maastricht convergence requirements by 2007, said economy minister Jerzy Hausner after the government's debate on mid-term public finance strategy. In view of the deputy finance minister, Ryszard Michalski, Poland could then consider joining Euroland as soon as 2008. He also said he hoped to keep public debt below 60%. "I don't think it could exceed 55%, even in the worst case. This criteria will be obeyed for a long time, maybe forever"- he said. An unofficial source quoted by Reuters also claimed that the government aims at drastic acceleration of the economy: the yearly GDP growth is scheduled for 5% next year and 5,6% in 2006. The final decision is expected next week. (Rzeczpospolita p B1) M.K.