Ryszard Petru has quickly become a recognizable figure on the Third Way list, and he is already drawing a line on privatizing key state finances. In an interview with Radio Zet, the Sejm candidate argued that Pekao SA and PKO BP should move into private hands, just like Orlen, which he admitted will be a tougher challenge. There needs to be division, competition, and privatization, he stated.
Companies that should be privatized
Petru, a political ally of Leszek Balcerowicz in the past, is known for liberal economic views. The economist and recent Third Way candidate for the Sejm has signaled a strong readiness to privatize pivotal enterprises. Pekao SA and PKO BP were named as banks that should be privatized. Orlen, he noted, presents a more difficult case.
During the online segment of Radio Zet’s program, Petru expressed that privatization should proceed with clear rules and real market competition. He emphasized that ownership must not fall into foreign hands and argued that the institutions should either be publicly traded or backed by strategic investors, with competition remaining a central objective.
“I want competition”
Petru did not stop at banking privatization. He criticized Orlen’s role in setting fuel prices, alleging that the company’s leadership misleads Poland about fuel costs. He argued against letting a state entity control prices nationwide, describing it as a monopoly that should reflect market forces and not political manipulation. He suggested that cheaper fuel should be accessible without Orlen’s added charges, aligning prices with the market rather than political pressures.
According to Petru, Daniel Obajtek might push prices higher later, which he described as harming the public. If that happened, the party figure suggested, Obajtek would need to address the resulting losses, with any potential consequences following October 15.
Petru also stressed a desire to gain broader support beyond his party. He spoke about the possibility of drawing Confederation voters away from its current platform, envisioning a scenario where the Third Way could reach a competition-driven threshold that reshapes the political landscape. He discussed his own capabilities in presenting ideas that others may overlook, asserting that his proposals are meant to be counted and understood rather than dismissed.
Endorsements and strategy
The interview also touched on how prominent figures, such as Szymon Hołownia and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, might respond to Petru’s privatization proposals. Hołownia, in particular, has not yet positioned himself as a firm advocate of liberal economic approaches, leaving the question open for voters to consider. The discussion closed with a nod to ongoing conversations and the broader implications for the party’s platform.
Source: wPolityce