Poland is not yet in the grips of an inflation spiral but much effort is required to reverse negative trends.

Reviewed by Slawek Szefs

GAZETA WYBORCZA looks at the looming threat of rising inflation. Quoted statistical data and opinions of experts indicate that Poles started enjoying greater job security with growing numbers of steadily employed. Salary hikes have also been reported, which found reflection in higher consumption figures. The problem is that the trend has been induced by fears of successive price growth. Does this mean the onset of a devastating inflation spiral? Not yet, comments Central Bank president Marek Belka, but the situation is serious and requires effort in many areas of the national economy. One such factor is improving productivity, especially in the state sector.  

This is already the second Einstein in our government, sarcastically comments FAKT in an article focusing on surprising opinions voiced by infrastructure minister Cezary Grabarczyk. The tabloid recalls a recent statement by the health minister in which Ewa Kopacz blamed patients for creating long waiting lines at NHS facilities. Now, minister Grabarczyk holds passengers responsible for inadequate services offered by state railways PKP. What he fails to notice is a just published report by the Office for Rail Transport which points to every fourth train arriving late at its destination, growing numbers of cancelled connections and the average age of rolling stock exceeding 30 years. Comfortably turning a blind eye to his own failures, the infrastructure minister prefers to blame passengers for overcrowded and dirty trains, FAKT lashes out.

The market oriented PULS BIZNESU reports on aspirations of Polpharma, Poland’s leading pharmaceutical producer, to become the CEE leader in generic drugs. The company has been closely monitoring the entire region, targeting both big and small enterprises with offers depending on their market shares with Polpharma. The Polish giant has already signed letters of intent with a number of foreign competitors envisaging their takeover. However, neither specific company names nor even countries of their location have yet been disclosed.

And finally, DZIENNIK POLSKA presents the story of a 39 year old brick layer from a small village in the north-eastern Thousand Lakes District who set out on a pilgrimage to Rome. He managed to cover the 2300 kilometer distance on foot in four weeks, just in time for the beatification ceremonies of John Paul II, this Sunday. The lengthy walk was to serve as proof and encouragement to all Poles that anyone could attend the grand event, as long as he or she had a strong enough will and spiritual need to do that.