What goes on in Poland on the 16th of April.
Buzek: The Clean Air Program should operate within the framework of local government
According to the former Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek, the fight against smog must go down to the level of local governments, because otherwise it will not be effective.
– People are not interested in the Clean Air Program at all – said the former Prime Minister and the chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Jerzy Buzek on a small number of contracts concluded under this program.
– From the level of the country to the level of citizens the way is very far. Such issues as the implementation of the Clean Air Program are handled by municipalities. Therefore, cooperation with them and with counties is crucial for the success of the entire project.
– Before the local government reform in 1998, the Ministry of Education was in fact deciding even on the choice of the director of a school. Now it sounds like an absurd. The same must be done while fighting against smog. Beautiful slogans spread out through all country are not enough. You have to go down to the level of communes and counties. Otherwise, we will not win. Only the local government knows how to fight against energy poverty. Local governments must take matters into their own hands. You have to give them funds which they do not have – explained the guest of the conference „Fighting Smog in Rural and Spa Areas”.
– We have to talk about it now. Winter is over and we stop talking about smog. But then comes November and no one has time to fight against smog. You need to talk and act now. Local governments must take up this challenge – appealed Jerzy Buzek.