PM rejects UW ministers' resignations providing hope for reconciliation

Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek rejected the resignations handed in by ministers belonging to Freedom Union (UW) hoping that Solidarity Election Action (AWS) and UW can still come to an agreement and save the government. Earlier in the day UW head and Finance Minister Leszek Balcerowicz said if Buzek rejected the resignations there would still be a chance to rebuild the coalition. This comment caused a great stir, but UW secretary general Miroslaw Czech later issued a statement clarifying Balcerowicz's comment. "The departure of [UW] ministers from Jerzy Buzek's government is decided. The Prime Minister should accept the resignations." The two sides will resume talks today. The Constitution does not specify how long the Prime Minister can deliberate over the resignation of ministers. Once he accepts the resignation it is pretty much up to the Prime Minister to appoint a new minister, the Parliament does not have a say in the matter. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 1, Reuters) T.J.