Warsaw, 21 October 1997 (RFE/RL) - The Solidarity Electoral Action (AWS) and the Freedom Union (UW) yesterday initialed a draft coalition agreement. Its basic framework is a recognition that private property and the market economy are the pillars of the Polish economy.
The agreement also emphasizes the development of market economy, acceleration of privatization and restitution of property that was nationalized after World War II. All this may dispel fears of foreign investors of a retreat from the principles of a market economy by a coalition dominated by the Solidarity labor union.
The draft was signed by AWS leader Marian Krzaklewski, UW leader Leszek Balcerowicz and Prime Minister-designate Jerzy Buzek.
Comprising 30 items dealing with various social, economic and state problems, the draft says the current high rate of economic growth must be accompanied by an increase in the living standard.
It also promises a final departure from "the communist past" and reconstruction of the state so that it could be efficient and honest, but gives no further details.
Both AWS and the Freedom Union agreed that the construction of modern Poland must be based on the principles of Christian civilization and the upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism.
According to Buzek, the final document should be ready in the next couple of days, before the formation of the new Cabinet expected on Friday.