Prime Minister forecasts lower level of unemployment

The PM is sure that Friday's political events will change the government's economic program. In an interview with the newspaper, the PM said that the budget deficit will be additionally reduced. "We are trying to further guarantee my budget anchor of a zł.30 billion deficit," he said. Next year, thanks to a reduction in government jobs of 0.5-6% the government will save zł.1-2billion. The PM thinks though that, despite promises made at the general election, he is not able to do away with tax on bank deposits. "We will have to withdraw from some of our earlier statements concerning tax cuts" admitted Marcinkiewicz. The Prime Minister is of the opinion that the economy is performing well and unemployment will even fall at a rate of 1.5% annually. The PM also wants to take advantage of the positive performance of the stock market by privatizing some state-owned companies. A further stake in PGNiG and shares in PZU are not ruled out. (Parkiet 8 May, p. 1) S.D.