Republic of Poland; 2002 Article IV Consultation—Staff Report; Staff Statement; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Poland

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that the fiscal deficit of the Republic of Poland widened sharply in 2001, reflecting both automatic stabilizers and a ½ percent increase in the structural deficit. State (central government) primary expenditures (excluding one-off transfers) rose relative to GDP by 1 percentage point, notwithstanding cutbacks late in the year. Two factors accounted for this rise: significant increases in transfers and subsidies to households, agricultural and state enterprises, as well as wages; and outcomes for inflation and growth that were far below budget projections.