Politics In Brief: Belka's WI appointment; SDPL contra Belka; Opinion poll

The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) is facing a dilemma as Prime Minister Marek Belka is unwilling to resign from appointing Andrzej Ananicz as head of the Intelligence Agency (WI) and many SLD members continue to strongly oppose the appointment. (Gazeta Wyborcza, July 24-25, p. 3) ... Polish Social Democracy (SDPL) believes that most of their demands included in their contract with Prime Minister Belka have not been met. If the Parliamentary vote of confidence took place now, they say they would vote against the government, which would spell its defeat. SDPL leader Borowski admitted that the government has not had much time to act, but nevertheless the SDPL is growing impatient. (Gazeta Wyborcza, July 24-25, p. 3) ... Public support for Belka's government appears to have increased. According to a CBOS poll taken between July 9-12, some 20% declared they support Belka, while 22% are against. Since June, government supporters grew by 2%, while opponents declined by 8%. (Gazeta Wyborcza, July 24-25, p. 3) D.W.