Publisher's Synopsis
The new, democratically elected governments of ex-communist Eastern Europe began radical reform programmes after their installation which reflected the new ideas of democracy and market economics. Severe austerity measures were imposed, which were generally accepted as necessary. However, the new governments are now coming under pressure to show results and to improve living conditions. Popular acceptance of democracy in these countries will depend on the success of the economic reforms now being implemented. Before 1989 the challenge for democrats was to achieve freedom; in the 1990s the challenge will be to make that freedom beneficial to the whole population. This Wilton Park Paper examines the issues.
