In the spotlight: Jan Rokita
Until recently, Rokita was known as the man who coined the unfortunate "Nice or death" slogan, which embodied his controversial hard-line approach to EU negotiations. At the same time, PO has been accused of abandoning its stated pro-market economy values and drifting leftwards.
Last week, the potential PM answered that criticism by setting out his business agenda, revealing that some 100 specialists are designing a plan describing "how PO sees the economy." While markets were pleased with his plans to make long-awaited fiscal reforms, deregulation and privatization the core goals of his administration, analysts criticized his "euroization" plan for the złoty, which would peg the currency to the euro even before Poland joins ERM2-the last step before joining the eurozone. They believe that there are no economic reasons for this move, which the EU would, in any case, likely reject.
A prime example of the opposition to communism found in Kraków's intellectual circles, Jan Rokita has been described as Poland's only politician in both calling and profession. Though his style has rankled some in his own party, many hope that under his strict leadership the government will become more disciplined, coherent and effective. B.K.
Last week, the potential PM answered that criticism by setting out his business agenda, revealing that some 100 specialists are designing a plan describing "how PO sees the economy." While markets were pleased with his plans to make long-awaited fiscal reforms, deregulation and privatization the core goals of his administration, analysts criticized his "euroization" plan for the złoty, which would peg the currency to the euro even before Poland joins ERM2-the last step before joining the eurozone. They believe that there are no economic reasons for this move, which the EU would, in any case, likely reject.
A prime example of the opposition to communism found in Kraków's intellectual circles, Jan Rokita has been described as Poland's only politician in both calling and profession. Though his style has rankled some in his own party, many hope that under his strict leadership the government will become more disciplined, coherent and effective. B.K.
