Balcerowicz said that Poland could be a land of miracles

If the reform of public finance will bring us closer to the economic miracle? The author of Polish reforms - professor Leszek Balcerowicz and the Minister of Finance had no doubts in this matter. Yesterday they met during another debate organized by FOR Foundation and the "Wall Street Journal Poland".

Balcerowicz emphasized the problem of taxes. Without some necessary cuts there is no possibility that our economy could develop. And what will happen if it slows down? "Poland must catch the Western Europe quickly and become the country of economic miracle. That is why we should reform our taxes but they should be followed by the reform of the country expenses", said Balcerowcz.

To much money goes to Inland Revenue and not enough on investments accelerating economy and increasing the number of employments. It cannot be like that any longer, said the economists during the debate yesterday. According to FOR, established by Balcerowicz and the consultative company Price Waterhouse Coopers, variety of payments streaming down to the national till take 38,4 % of trader's benefit whereas in the role model of Ireland only 28,9%.

What should be done in order to change it? According to FOR:

- to introduce a simple 18% income tax, the same for traders and oridinary citizens
- to reduce the 22% tax on services and trade (VAT) - one of the highest in Europe
- to change the retirement and dole payout system