Neoliberalism was envisioned as the leading ideology to drive the development of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) from a communist to market-oriented economy at the beginning of transformation.
Politicians and reformers embraced the ideas of democracy, competition, individual rights and private property, and propagated them passionately. It was the “West” – open and inviting – which was held in absolute awe in contrast to the failed socialism and its economic damages. The neverbrought-to-fruition “reformed” socialism of the 1980s accelerated the ideological shift in CEE.
The strongest reform proponents received attention and power, and their voices were heard. Balcerowicz, Bokros, Klaus and Gaidar were among the reformers given a chance to match their neoliberal rhetoric with actual policies.
