Welcome to the fifth part of our unique survey of all the main political parties standing in the European parliamentary elections in Poland on June 7.
We sent a questionnaire to each of the election committees asking them, in English, what their policy positions were on religion, immigration, enlargement, the single currency and more. We hope that the answers they have given will help those living in Poland who do not speak Polish make a choice on polling day. It may even help Poles make a choice, too!
We have not edited the answers in any way.
Today we ask the parties about their stance on Poland's possible euro currency adoption – for a full list of the surveys we have published so far go here.
When should Poland adopt the EU currency?
1. Unia Polityki Realnej (Union of Real Politics)
Slogan: We Bear Freedom to Europe
EP fraction: Independence/ Democracy Group
Union of Real Politics is opposed to EURO currency and we want to postpone its implementation as far as possible. We see that EURO zone countries (e.g. Germany, France) are developing much slower than Sweden or the United Kingdom who do not participate in this idea.
2. Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish People's Party)
Slogan: Europe’s success. Success for Poland
EP fraction: The European People's Party and European Democrats
The entry to the euro zone should happen in optimal moment for public and economical development of Poland and also, the ability of achievement to accept the euro currency.
In this matter, the wildest political consensus should be settled, the similar, when Poland was joining to the NATO zone.
3. Samoobrona (Self-defence)
Slogan: Solidary Samoobrona in Europe
EP fraction: none
Poland should above all protect its own interest and adept the EURO currency when the exchange rate would be accurate - not too low (in order to protect polish economy) nor too high taking into consideration ordinary citizens.
4. Polska Partia Pracy (Polish Labour Party)
The committee did not send the questionnaire back.
5. Libertas (Libertas)
Slogan: Libertas means freedom
EP fraction: none
One fact is that European law says that Poland have to adept euro currency. Another fact that now it is unprofitable for us. If we have to joint to euro-zone we should do it only when we will have some benefits for it.
6. Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej – Unia Pracy (Democratic Left Alliance – Labour Union)
Slogan: Put People First
EP fraction: Party of European Socialists
The adoption of the common currency will be beneficial for Poland. Fast adoption of the euro unfortunately poses today – in the middle of a serious financial crisis – a serious risk for the economy. In the next two-three years it will be difficult for Poland to fulfill all the convergence criteria. Despite that we must do all we can to prepare Poland for the adoption of the euro. The effects of this move should not, however, worsen the economic situation of our citizens.
7. Porozumienie dla Przyszłości - Centrolewica (Agreement for the Future - CenterLeft )
The committee did not send the questionnaire back.
8. Prawica Rrzeczpospolitej (The Right of the Republic)
Slogan: Europe of Normal Families
EP fraction: Union for Europe of the Nations
Never. Only national currency can guarantee our country sovereignty and it’s not just in the economic aspect.
9. Platforma Obywatelska (Civic Platform)
Slogan: Vote Poland
EP fraction: The European People's Party and European Democrats
Poland should adept the euro currency as soon as it is possible, i.e. as soon as Poland meets the macroeconomic criteria set by the European Union.
10. Prawo i Sprawiedliwosc (Law and Justice)
Slogan: More for Poland
EP fraction: a new fraction together with British and Czech conservatives
Poland should adopt the EU currency when it is fully prepared to do so. The time of the financial crisis is definitely not the right moment.