Polish support for euro low

The study, carried out earlier this month by the TNS OBOP research centre, shows that 55 percent of those questioned were dismissive of the euro. Only 13 percent of respondents believe that the adoption of the euro will be a positive step for Poland. Meanwhile, some 26 percent feel that it will be neither beneficial nor detrimental, and 6 percent did not have an opinion on the matter.

The survey took in 1004 Polish citizens, from the age of 15 upwards. The youngest respondents proved to be the most positive about the euro. Some 22 percent of the 15 to 19-year-old age bracket were in favour, as were 25 percent of managers and professionals. Labourers and farmers emerged as particularly negative about the euro with 68 percent and 63 percent against the introduction of the single currency respectively. Meanwhile, 64 percent of those who professed to having right-wing affiliations were against the euro and 74 percent of supporters of the Law and Justice party (PiS) expressed a negative opinion.

In general, women seem less likely to back the euro – only 10 percent of women came out in favour, compared to 17 percent of men.

Although the number of people who said that the euro should never be adopted by Poland has dropped by 6 percent since November (from 43 to 37 percent), the number of people who believe that Poland should wait till 2015 to take on the single currency has grown by 4 percent.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centre-right Civic Platform party has remained relatively steadfast in its support for the introduction of the euro. However, while in Rome last month, the premier seemed somewhat ambiguous on the matter: “For as long as the euro survives,” he reflected, “Poles will keep their word and join the single currency.” (nh)