PSL to create local coalitions nationwide with opposition parties PiS and PO

The Polish Peasants Party (PSL) intends to create local government coalitions with opposition parties. PSL leader Jaroslaw Kalinowski has invited Law and Justice (PiS) as well as Civic Platform (PO) deputies to create "democratic coalitions in regional assemblies" across the country. The Kaczynski brothers are enthusiastic about the idea, although PO deputies remain skeptical. "In our opinion, such coalitions are an essential element in helping to stabilize the political scene," said Kalinowski. At the same time, President Aleksander Kwasniewski disapproved of the idea of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD)'s tightening its relations with Self-Defense (Samoobrona) and at a press conference after yesterday's meeting of the Cabinet Committee he publicly reprimanded Justice Minister Grzegorz Kurczuk for forming a coalition with Andrzej Lepper's party in Lublin. "It would be better if the Justice Minister did not make any political agreements," he said, adding that he is far from encouraging SLD to form a coalition with Self-Defense. The surprised Prime Minister, Leszek Miller, defended Justice Minister Kurczuk saying that he was a good minister who fulfilled his official duties in a manner deserving respect. (Zycie, p. 4) A.Z.