Public sector debt 'to fall sharply'

Data released last Friday showed Poland's economy grew by 4.3 percent in 2011, 0.4 percent higher than in 2010.

Minister Rostowski said that even with a slowing of the economy this year – the government predicts growth at 2.5 percent - “[debt levels] will show a gigantic fall in comparison to previous years,” the minister told the TVP public broadcaster.

He said that the debt level is falling because of “quite painless” reductions in public spending in some sectors.

Debt levels are “now in line with EU expectations,” he added.

Referring to the informal EU summit on Monday in Brussels, Rostowski said that Poland achieved “about 70 percent” of what it was demanding.

Poland had insisted in being present at all eurozone meetings on the fiscal crisis but only gained access to some meetings involving competition and employment policy.

“We did not achieve our maximum goal – which was 'nothing about you with us'. But we did get concessions,” Rostowski said. (pg)