Gov't faces flood of compensation claims

After the European Human Rights Tribunal (EHRT) granted zl.120,000 in damages for moral losses to Maria Hutten-Czapska, the owner of a block of flats in Gdynia, 50,000 more landlords have declared they will also file lawsuits. EHRT also ordered the Polish state to amend the Act on Tenants' Protection so that it takes into account the interests of landlords as well. Pre-war real estate owners have been long waiting for the reprivatisation act, but the government has yet to start work on it, so patience in some circles is wearing thin. Moreover, if Poland was forced by an American court to buy back pre-war bonds, it would have to pay zl.5 billion. Polish businessmen are also demanding compensation, as they argue that they should be allowed to claim a VAT refund on company cars, a claim which totals zl.1 billion. (Rzeczpospolita, June 24-25, p.B1) J.L.