The President’s Chancellery has demanded a 30 million zloty budget increase from last year in order to complete some remodels, celebrate anniversaries coming in 2009, and, of course, to account for inflation.

Last year, the Chancellery’s budget was 160 million zloty, this year they are requesting 190 million. Piotr Kownacki, the Chief of the Chancellery, explained to Radio PIN, that this increase is essential.

“For example, we didn’t buy some necessary equipment, we didn’t do some necessary remodels. These are things that can, of course, be put off for one year, but not for much longer.” He added that, “Clearly inflation is a factor as well.”

Additionally, 2009 is a year of many anniversary celebrations, including the 70 year anniversary of the end of World War II, the 20 year anniversary of the Round Table Talks, the 10 year anniversary of Poland’s joining NATO, and the five year anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union.

Kownicki emphasized that this 30 million zloty budget increase is really necessary: “More than anything, in order to complete some necessary things not done this year, we have to account for inflation and all of the anniversary celebrations.”

Tuesday’s Gazeta Wyborcza reports that, from the budget request sent to the Finance Ministry, 130 million zloty is set for “current functions” of the Chancellery, 20 million zloty for the National Security Office, and 15 million zloty for remodels and new computers.