Hausner resigns

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Jerzy Hausner yesterday submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Marek Belka, who accepted the decision, however did not state exactly when Minister Hausner would leave the government. Most probably he will be replaced by Jacek Piechota, the current secretary of state in the Economy Ministry. "My withdrawal from the government does not mean I am breaking off with Marek Belka," commented Hausner, suggesting that the Prime Minister will soon join the Democratic Party. By submitting his resignation, Hausner will not have to take part in the Sejm's voting for his dismissal, and therefore does not have a chance for becoming the first minister in history to be sacked by the government. Hausner was strongly criticized by the left as well as the right wing parties, and all current political powers wanted a vote of no confidence. "Jerzy Hausner was until now very busy working in the government, now he will at last have more time to build the Demoratic Party," said gladly the leader of the Freedom Union (UW), Władysław Frasyniuk.