Polish TV push pro-EU message

Date: 23/01/03

ACTORS in a popular Polish TV sitcom called Parish are being urged to sport pro-EU badges in a bid to persuade the public to vote for joining the Union.

The idea has been put forward by the Polish Confederation of Private Employers, which is also planning mass picnics where the benefits of entry could be explained.

The confederation's president, Henryka Bochniarz, said voters should not use the referendum - planned for June - as an opportunity to vent their frustration with Leszek Miller's government, which has been embroiled in several corruption scandals.

Meanwhile, the Polish parliament is considering whether to amend a law which makes referenda void where turnout is less than 50.

• A key opposition party, Law and Justice, has announced it will campaign for EU membership. Advocates have also been encouraged by support voiced by many bishops in the predominantly Catholic country. But the influential Catholic station Radio Maryjá continues to back the 'No' side.

Actors in a popular Polish TV sitcom are being urged to sport pro-EU badges in a bid to persuade the public to vote for joining the European Union.