One in five think that pronouncements of national mourning are called too often in Poland, according to a survey for TVP public television.

Two out of three feel that the frequency of national mourning is appropriate, however.

The opinion poll follows two days of national mourning, pronounced by President Lech Kaczynski last Monday and Tuesday after the death of 17 miners following a methane blast at the Wujek-Slask colliery.

Sociologist Professor Janusz Czapinski told TVP Info that the tragedy clearly affected the result of the poll.

Opposition to the announcements comes from the fact that during periods of national mourning, public events such as concerts and club nights are cancelled.

Of those who feel that national mourning is called too often in Poland, 30 percent are from the 18 to 29 age group. “These are young people, which had to cancel their plans,” said Prof. Czapinski. Those who live in cities with over 500,000 residents are also more likely to feel that national mourning is called too often. (pg)