State holds curious list of strategic companies

The list of 77 companies is causing controversy, however, as it contains not only companies that by law cannot be privatized, but also companies that should not be on there in the first place. The pharmaceutical firms Polski Holding Farmaceutyczny (PHF) and Centrala Farmaceutyczna Cefarm for example are listed despite earlier comments by the Treasury Ministry that PHF would be privatized, while CF Cefarm would be merged with Cefarm Białystok and then privatized. Grażyna Magdziak, an expert from the business club, says that the list is unclear and should include explanations regarding the choice of companies. It is not surprising that the state should want to control electric and power networks such as PSE Operator, Gaz System and PERN Przyjaźń, however, the need for state control of oil companies such as PKN Orlen and the copper producer KGHM is questionable. Especially considering both appear to be places politicians use to employ people with strong ties to the current cabinet. (Rzeczpospolita, May 26-27, p.B1) M.M.