Initial battle lines are drawn over European Parliament elections

The first elections to the European Parliament are already triggering strong emotions in the Sejm. The government yesterday proposed the formation of 13 constituencies, which would closely mirror the areas of the current vo ivodships. Common constituencies would be formed for the Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Podlaskie Voivodships, Dolnośląskie with Opolskie and Lubuskie with Wschodniopomorskie. Interior Minister, Krzysztof Janik presented this solution as the most just, as it would allow each voivodship to have its representative in the European Parliament. This concept is opposed by the Civic Platform, which backs the creation of seven constituencies. The whole question of the elections could spark a new conflict between the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and President Aleksander Kwaśniewski. Politicians of the ruling party disapprove of the idea to allowing independent candidates, not affiliated with any party, to stand in the elections. According to sources close to the Presidential Palace, Kwaśniewski has not withdrawn from his plans to form a civic list of candidates to stand in the elections. (R zeczpospolita, p. A5) A.K.