Bulgaria’s Fight against Corruption
It is good to think about the situation now, what could have changed during the brief life of the 47th National Assembly, and what is laid out by the current caretaker government in Bulgaria.
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Public Versus Private: No Choice
There are private solutions, for healthcare, schools, and transport. They are popular or at least coveted. Yet, there is a catch. The state always lurks beneath the surface. Many taxi companies are owned by cronies and have a huge lobbying power. There is a fixed rate and no competition in Budapest.
Scary Bill from Polish Government
In 2021, public expenditure per capita in Poland for the first time exceeded the amount of PLN 30,000. It accounted for 44.2% of GDP – less than the year before when the pandemic hit, but still much more than in 2019. Since 2015, public spending in Poland has increased in real terms by over 35%.
Coal Allowance in Poland: From Soup to Nuts
In times of galloping inflation, the Polish government creates another inflation impulse – the “Coal allowance”, the payment of which is expected to cost as much as PLN 11.5 billion.
20 Years in Making – Media Market and Policy in Hungary between 2002-2022
The role of the media is more important in politics than it was 20-30 years ago. Political parties and politicians are using the media all around the world to promote themselves, their ideology, and their aims. These actions made media post objective, which means that almost every media outlet is close to a political party, which, of course, doesn’t mean that they’re making propaganda.
Model Country Estonia
Estonia has witnessed several changes of government in the last few years. In July 18, there has been another one. However, Estonia’s success story as the most economically and technologically developed country in transition has not stopped yet. The previous Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, has now retaken his position as the new Prime Minister, thus ensuring that his country manages well under transition.
Pandemic in the Czech Republic: No Confidence in Government and Almost the Highest Number of Deaths in EU
There are undoubtedly many factors that determine how individual governments dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one of the main aspects that has determined the success of mitigating the health impacts of the pandemic is the level of public trust in government institutions, as noted in numerous scientific publications.
Protectionism as New Pandemic
Of course, everyone would be delighted if the supermarkets were full of quality Slovak fruit, vegetables, meat, and other products. However, this ideal cannot be achieved by a policy of self-sufficiency, but by a policy of cooperation.
Poland and Hungary Versus Rule of Law and EU Funds [PODCAST]
In this episode, Leszek Jażdżewski hosts Gabor Halmai, Professor and the Chair of Comparative Constitutional Law at the Law Department at the European University Institute about the rule of law, EU funds, and the socio-political situation in Poland and Hungary.
Slovenia’s Opportunity to Grow as Democracy
On April 24, a parliamentary election took place in Slovenia. The results reflect a clear message from voters that the government needs to change. In mature liberal democracies, a change in government is a time for reflection for all involved in the politics of a country.
