SLD calls for vote of no confidence for Interior Minister Marek Biernacki

During yesterday's Sejm debate Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) called for a vote of no confidence for Interior Minister Marek Biernacki of Solidarity Election Action (AWS). Jerzy Dziewulski from SLD said Biernacki had achieved no success since he took office half a year ago. He added that the minister neglected his fundamental duties, remained passive, arrogant and unprofessional. SLD claims public safety standards have deteriorated over the last two-and-a-half years when the coalition has been in power. SLD also says the police are poorly managed and there is still no central vehicle register. According to the coalition, the motion is aimed at discrediting AWS rather than the Ministry of Interior and Administration."This irrational motion should be rejected," said Jan Maria Rokita from the Interior and Administration Commission. "It has no foundations and is full of slander and unreasonable conclusions." Biernacki objects to the SLD arguments and claims the percentage of all solved crimes has already reached 50% this year, when last year it was 45 %. The department has also prepared eight drafts which are waiting for the Sejm's approval and a new project of salaries for officers. (Rzeczpospolita, page A2) J.K.