New PSL leader to enter government

Janusz Piechociński: photo - PAP/Rafal Guz

Poland has been without a deputy prime minister and economy minister since Piechocinski beat Waldemar Pawlak in a Polish Peasants Party (PSL) leadership ballot two weeks ago.

Initially, Piechocinski wanted Pawlak to stay on in both the posts he held in the cabinet but the deposed PSL leader said he would resign, as the most senior party politician must also be the most senior party member within the junior coalition, he said.

PSL have had three ministerial posts since the 2007 election, when they entered into agreement with the senior coalition partner, PM Donald Tusk's Civic Platform (PO), took take up posts at the economy, labour and agricultural ministries.

Now Piechocinski has said that his party has authorised talks for him to take a seat in cabinet.

“I received a recommendation from the party's Supreme Council and the Chief Executive Committee to go into coalition talks with objective of entering government,” Piechocinski said yesterday.

It is unclear, however, whether Piechocinski will take up both vacated posts or whether he will take up only the deputy prime minister's role and another candidate will be found to lead the economy ministry. (pg)

source: IAR