Waldemar Pawlak (Peasants’ Party - PSL), deputy premier and minister of economy told Polish Radio 1 on Monday morning that the new government would work hard from day one of their mission and would focus on those issues that needed quick solutions, namely innovativeness of the economy, new technologies and education of citizens.

Vice premier said the Civic Platform (PO) – PSL coalition had been given a chance to show their voters that politics could mean positive results of good management instead of endless arguments and bickering.

Waldemar Pawlak confirmed that the new government intended to simplify the tax system, but with a reservation that the linear tax rate would need more discussions between the allies.

The economy minister made a clear distinction between the personal income tax and other charges, explaining that individuals and companies earning high income could and should pay more taxes, whereas an increase in VAT on food would hit the worse-off.

Waldemar Pawlak is of the opinion that the new government should be pragmatic in its approach to the organisation of EURO 2012.  According to PSL leader, Poland should make good use of the existing infrastructure while detailed decisions as to the location of the key sporting venues for the event should be left in the hands of experts. (mj)