Reshaping finances is the only way forward says Hausner

"We should not believe that following our EU accession, we will be able to make changes more easily just because we will be EU members. If we do not create a sound system of public finances we are running the risk of becoming a European periphery. If we are not capable of rationalizing the economic system we will eventually have problems with democracy" Economy Minister Jerzy Housner said in an interview with Rzeczpospolita. Only 16% of Poles supports Hausner's rationalization plan for public finances. In his opinion, it is too early for summaries, but added that he does not have to win support for each of his solutions. However these solutions must be talked over. Housner also said that if the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) doesn't start solving its problems the party will not survive until the elections in 2005. Hausner hopes to win the support of entrepreneurs, financial experts and markets as well as some state institutions, local governments and the President himself. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) A.Z