WARSAW. APRIL 18. INTERFAX
C.NTRAL EUROPE - Poland's President Lech Kaczynski Wednesday warned against financial concerns trumping national prestige at a press conference following the success of Poland's joint bid with Ukraine to organize the soccer European Championship in 2012.
"I don't think there is any sort of financial problem," President Kaczynski said. "I would like to warn against this way of thinking. Poland is now incomparably wealthier than it was in 1989, much richer than we were entering the new millennium. We must not always keep saying we cannot afford anything […] That way of thinking does not bring any prestige to the state."
Poland and Ukraine were awarded the organization of the prestigious event by UEFA, the European soccer governing body, Wednesday. The event will require infrastructure investment on a massive scale with both stadia and transport links, both between the two countries and within each of them, still to be built.
"Massive infrastructure must be built and I am very happy about it," the president said. "For it is enforcement, but an enforcement to a very good effect. Here, you cannot be late. There will be new stadia, new tourist infrastructure, especially for the mass tourist."