This is the fourth annual economic radiography made by the Independent Think-Tank EXPERT-GRUP. Similar radiographies were developed so far for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010. Their purpose is to provide an overview of the major economic developments of the year and help the readers understand better their implications.
More...In this issue: Consumer rights are under focus again; // What revenues feed the consumption this year? // The reason underlying the slow increase in the budget revenue; // The trade expansion keeps beating records
More...No major changes on the political front: the budget process seems to be muddling through amidst mutual finger pointing and public diatribes exchanged between the coalition partners. At the moment this issue of the Real Economy became public the budget was already approved. However, the nature of the process is revealing in itself. Firstly, it shows that ruling in coalition is no easy walk even after almost two years have passed since the democratic coalition came to power. In other words, this cumbersome cohabitation will continue for some time before the coalition learns to communicate better, internal competitions settle and roles become more or less agreed. The tensions will perhaps recede after the local elections, but only somewhat. Secondly, for this sanguine scenario to materialize rather sooner than later, we need to have clear understanding of the motivations behind the current unease.
More...Political campaign began long before the Central Election Commission announced its official start. Party leaders and public officials started the rush in fall 2008, making generous social and economic promises to the public. However, at the moment the battle is given for the hesitant voters which according to social polls account for 40% of the population able to vote. Obviously, the ruling party possesses sufficient communication, administrative and budgetary tools to gain most of these votes. For this purpose the ruling party is considering many tactics,including the economic manipulation of the electoral behavior.
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