Government has second thoughts on energy privatization, considers changes

The government is considering making amendments to the energy sector privatization program by slowing down the sell-off of energy distribution companies. Under the current program, the Treasury would sell energy producing and distribution firms at the same rate, with the privatization program scheduled to end in 2002. However, according to Economy Minister Janusz Steinhoff, energy producers should be privatized first, so that they have funds for development and only then should energy distribution firms go on sale. Steinhoff stressed that privatization processes which have already begun would not be halted even if the privatization program were amended. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.22)