With Focus on Re-election, Polish PM Puts Reforms on Hold

Sources have told Reuters that Poland's center government will put major economic reforms on hold until after a parliamentary election at the end of the year, focusing instead on voter-friendly social and welfare issues. Despite an improving economy, opinion polls suggest the Civic Platform party of Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz may have a reduced majority after the election and will have to rely on the support of parties resistant to reform. Three senior government and ruling party sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kopacz was not planning major policy announcements before polling day, meaning attempts at reforming the ailing coal industry and inefficient healthcare system will be postponed.