SLD abstention likely to open the way for budget amendment to pass

The government's proposed budget amendment looks set to win Sejm approval if, as expected, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) abstains in the vote. Speaking after a meeting of the parliament's public finance committee, Finance Minister Jaroslaw Bauc said the amendment could be passed as early as this week, if the opposition does not vote against it. The amendment assumes an increase in the budget deficit of zl.8.6 billion, to reach zl.29.1 billion. However, no mention is made of specifics regarding spending cuts. According to Bauc, the reduction depends on the revenue shortfall, and this is difficult to judge. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 15 ) P.W.