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Poland's ruling coalition was struggling to maintain composure on Monday after allegations were published that Deputy Prime Minister Andrzej Lepper had operated a 'jobs for sex' policy.
A woman passing under the pseudonym Aneta K is at the centre of the furore. She has confided in leading daily 'Gazeta Wyborcza' that she was given a job in 2001 on condition that she had sexual intercourse with Mr Lepper, leader of the Samoobrona (Self Defence) Party.
Samoobrona is a junior partner in the ruling coalition and generally considered something of a loose cannon in Polish Politics. The group gained infamy in 2000 by orchestrating hijacks of foodstuffs in defense of Polish farmers.
Mr Lepper is known for his outspoken, straight-talking views, which won him a measure of popular support. The leading Law and Justice Party was widely ridiculed for creating a coalition with Mr Lepper following their victory in 2005.
Mr Lepper has strenuously denied the allegations as 'insane', but State Prosecutor has launched a full investigation into the case.
Aneta K also alleges that she was compelled to have intercourse with another Samoobrona figure, lawmaker Stanislaw Lyzwinski. She cites her desperation for money as the crucial factor in her compliance. In 2001 she was the single mother of two children.
Opposition politicians have not wasted any time in attacking Mr Lepper. The leader of Samoobrona has always been a leading contender for the prize of the 'politician that people most love to hate'.
| Source: Warsaw Life | Dec.5.2006 |
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