The tempo of privatization in 2005 cannot fall if gov't is to meet its obligations

Most probably, the government will announce that its privatization target for 2005 will be the same level as this year, that is at zł.8.8 billion. While no official statement has yet been made, the government will be forced to gather this sum in order to help finance the Social Insurance Administration (ZUS) which is to give part its contributions to pension funds. This target will mean considerable sales will have to be made. Among the companies that will go public are: a 30% stake in Polish Oil and Gas and the Southern Power Concern, which together should net zł. 3-4 billion. Another money earner will be the sale of a major stake in the Lotos Group, worth around zł.2 billion. (Parkiet p. 7) M.G.