Two candidates were named by Poland's ruling party Civic Platform (PO) for the central bank's new Monetary Policy Council (RPP) – which sets interest rates – on Thursday. The two nominations are from the Sejm, which will appoint a total of three RPP members. Other nominations will come from the Senate and President Lech Kaczyński.

Anna Zielińska-Głębocka, a PO lawmaker, and Andrzej Bratkowski, a former deputy central bank governor, have both accepted their nominations.

Analysts have expressed little surprise at Mr Bratkowski's nomination, due to his strong economic credentials.

“Bratkowski's candidacy was the most expected. He is an economist with big experience, academic and practical. We know his opinions, support for Poland's euro entry. I am happy about this nomination,” said Ernest Pytlarczyk, chief analyst at BRE Bank.

Rather more uncertainty was expressed at Ms Zielińska-Głębocka's nomination, which is seen as more of a political choice.

“Zielińska-Głębocka is tied to the Gdańsk-based circle of liberals, that is why the nomination is justified. I don't know her work and she was not quoted by the media, so it is hard to say more,” added Mr Pytlarczyk.

Both candidates have backed government plans to join the euro zone as early as possible.

“I think we should join the euro zone as soon as possible, but the situation now is not simple and I think 2015 is a realistic date,” stated Ms Zielińska-Głębocka upon receiving the nomination.

Mr Bratkowski, meanwhile, stated that “We must aim for Poland to enter the euro zone quickly.”

Yesterday, PO's minority coalition partner in the government, PSL, revealed its nominee, Deputy Finance Minister Elżbieta Chojna-Duch.

(GP)

Source: Thomson Reuters