Polish Peasants Party asks for Treasury Minister's head in no-confidence vote

The Solidarity Election Action (AWS) minority government encountered its first major challenge since being formed two weeks ago. On the recommendation of the Polish Peasants Party (PSL), the opposition has demanded the immediate dismissal of Treasury Minister Emil Wasacz, who it accuses of being responsible for irregularities in connection with the privatization of Poland's largest insurer Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen S.A. (PZU). He has also been accused of pursuing privatization too quickly, without consulting others or making the privatization process transparent. The Minster has survived three votes of no-confidence since he took the portfolio. However, the latest vote could be more difficult as AWS can no longer count on the cooperation of deputies from its former coalition partner, Freedom Union (UW). (Reuters) S.M.