Kaczynski threatens to withdraw support for EU entry

Lech Kaczynski, the leader of resurgent right wing opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), warned yesterday that he would withdraw his backing for EU entry if the government fails to secure better terms from the Union than those currently on offer. His comments could undermine a consensus for joining the EU among moderates ahead of next year's membership referendum. "We are decisively pro-EU but equally against these entry terms. I am increasingly pessimistic about the situation changing for the better," said Kaczynski. Poland, the largest of 10 countries seeking to finalize entry talks within a month and join the EU in 2004, has penciled in a membership referendum for May or June next year. Opinion polls show a three-to-one majority in favor of entry in the referendum, but Kaczynski's tough rhetoric and big gains for euro-skeptic parties in recent local and regional elections suggest that a "yes" vote is far from guaranteed. Asked if PiS would back entry in the referendum, Kaczynski said "It's too early to say but surely PiS has the political courage to speak out against accession if it came to that." (Reuters)