Politics goes underground

The Steering Committee from the Ministry of Economy and Labor has moved Warsaw's metro project to last position in the ranking of Polish cities' projects competing for EU funds worth a total of EUR 115 (zł.451) million.

Two smaller projects from Warsaw, i.e. modernizing the tram line on al. Ujazdowskie and launching the city traffic management system, were placed first and second on the list and in fact are certain to win the grants of EUR 24 (zł.94.2) million and EUR 9.8 (zł.38.5) million respectively. The Steering Committee has also promoted seven projects from other regions in Poland. If the Minister of Economy, Jacek Piechota, signs the proposal in its current form, the fund will cover all the minor projects, with little money left for metro.

The Committee decided that all competing towns have to be granted support as part of the Integrated Regional Operational Program. If the subway had won the grant, it would have taken 75 percent of the available funds.

Initially, the plan for the subway was highly evaluated by experts and took fifth position on the ranking list. Warsaw City Hall argues making the project a lower priority was a political decision, as the committee consists mainly of party representatives from the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and Civic Platform (PO).

Warsaw City Hall is struggling to get EUR 86 (zł.338) million to finish the first metro line up to the Młociny station. "I am convinced that the money will not be lost," Warsaw's vice president Sławomir Skrzypek told PAP.

According to the Ministry's spokesperson, Piechota will make the final decision in a week's time.