Parliament finally passes restitution bill; now awaits Senate's approval

Ten years after introduction of the legislation, the Sejm yesterday finally passed the so-called 'reprivatizacja', or restitution, bill, entitling Poles whose property was illegally seized from them during the Communist reign of power to regain at least part of it. The legislation establishes that former owners of property would be entitled to get back 50% of lost real estate, fixed assets or both. However, the return of actual property will be carried out only where the current situation allows. In all other cases, in lieu of property, former owners will receive so-called restitution vouchers. With these vouchers owners may buy state-owned real estate or invest them in a specially created investment fund. Those applying for the return of their property must hold Polish citizenship. The Social Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and Polish Peasant Party (PSL) voted against the bill, which now awaits Senate approval. (Rzeczpospolita, p.A1)