Poland to Hold Early Elections Amid Crisis Within Coalition

12 August 2007 -- Poland's Prime Minister Yaroslaw Kaczynski says he is planning for early elections amid political crisis within his ruling coalition.

Mr. Kaczynski said Saturday that his conservative Law and Justice Party has decided to push for elections in the autumn following strife with its two coalition partners. He said the elections, originally scheduled for 2009, could take place as early as October.

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Earlier this week, Mr. Kaczynski fired Interior Minister Janusz Kaczmarek whom he blamed of botching a corruption investigation of a former agriculture minister.

Poland's latest political turmoil erupted last month when the prime minister fired former Agriculture Minister and junior coalition party leader Andrzej Lepper on corruption allegations.

Lepper who heads the Self Defense Party has denied any wrongdoing. He and another coalition partner, Roman Giertych of the conservative League of Polish Families, have accused Mr. Kaczynski of breaking up the coalition.

Source: VOA News