The good news about the economy continues to get better

The Central Statistical Office (GUS) on Friday published outstandingly good economic data, as retail sales grew by over 30% and unemployment decreased by 0.5%, which spurred many economists to anticipate that GDP growth for the first quarter might reach 6.5%. “We are close to the most optimistic forecasts,” said GUS deputy president Halina Dmochowska when asked about the prospects for economic growth. Prime Minister Marek Belka is certain that GDP is more likely to grow “by 6% rather than 5%” for the whole year. “Investments have finally taken off and I expect they will replace exports, which so far is the main engine of growth,” said a leading politician who commented on the information. (Rzeczpospolita, May 22-23, pp. A1, A3, B1) M.M.