Poland

Poland took the most radical economic steps toward a free market economy, beginning in January 1990. The results were mixed. On the one hand, inflation was curbed, the zloty became convertible, and much private business developed, particularly in the service sector. On the other hand, in 1997, many large industrial enterprises were still state-owned, still operating at at a deficit, still employing most of country's workers, and lagging with their pay. Unemployment stood officially at some 12%, but …

…same factor as that which brought to power a left-wing government in Lithuania and elsewhere - this is the economic misery of much of the population, which is the hallmark of the transition period in most post-communist states. The majority of the people want work and decent wages, plus at least some of the welfare benefits of the former communist state, but they also want democracy. New parliamentary elections are to be held on September 21, 1997.