Transformation of capitalism into socialism is like making fish soup from an aquarium. The question is whether the same is true if we consider the opposite transformation direction – joked Ivan Miklos, a deputy of the National Assembly of Slovakia. This was his answer to the question of Leszek Balcerowicz, the moderator of the discussion titled: „Transformation and Economic Growth in Central and Eastern European Countries after 1989”. The author of the reforms in Poland was interested in what changes in the neighbouring countries were the most important, which of them played a major role in this process, what forces encouraged the reforms and what forces were the obstacle.
Yegor Gaidar, Director of the Transformation Period Institute of Economy admitted that when introducing reforms, Russia followed the path paved by Poland. – But we completed the process within 7 years and not – 3 years like Poland, as we were stuck in the socialist system much longer – explained Gaidar.
[wyimek]7 years The process of political and economic changes in Russia took 7 years from the time of the fall of the Soviet Union[/wyimek]
The fact that society wanted reforms was helpful, however not all the reforms were welcomed enthusiastically. The panel participants, including the minister of finance, Jacek Rostowski admitted that the countries with the perspective of accession to the EU could introduce reforms easier as the integration was an anchor of changes.
Within the past twenty years the reform introduction process in countries of the former socialist block was not completed. As Wiktor Pynzenyk, head of Reforms and Order, a Ukrainian political party said, the condition of the economies in our part of Europe strained by the crisis can slow down further changes.
