The World : Poland Debates Reforms

Poland’s Parliament began debate on a reform package that would, among other things, legalize the banned Solidarity trade union and provide for important political freedoms. The six bills embody reforms agreed to in talks between the government and the Solidarity-led opposition. One bill would liberalize elections to Parliament, including a deal by which the opposition would take 35% of the seats and the Communists would give up their absolute majority. Another bill would create an upper house, with elections to be held in June. The package, which would also give greater freedom to form associations and political clubs but no new political parties, is expected to be approved in about two weeks.