Polityka gospodarcza w okresie przemian (dylematy: szanse i zagrożenia)

The article is an attempt to give a look at the present reality. It contains reflections and interpretations concerning the country’s social and economic situation as well as some remarks on such subject as the economic policy. It points out transformations as well as barriers connected with the systemic transformation taking place in Poland. Any assessments of the situation arouse doubts due to numerous unknown variables both in our country and abroad. Transformation in an economy implies primarily its restructuring and privatisation. A reference is made to opinions expressed by an outstanding Hungarian scholar professor Janos Kornai. He provides arguments for a supremacy of the capitalist system over the socialist one and voices in favour of consolidation and stabilisation combined with sustained growth. If these statements are to be considered justified then it should be added simultaneously that a lot of time will lapse before they can be realised. We also underline a too optimistic perception of transformations by the author accompanied by his critical analysis of the so-called real socialism. Following Kornai we distinguish two privatisation strategies: A - a strategy of limited growth and В - a strategy of accelerated privatisation. A transition from socialism to capitalism should be a restricted process as it is a combination of revolution and evolution. The article draws attention to relationships between economics and the social policy. They are frequently passed unnoticed by politicians and scholars. A brief mention is made about Poland’s accession to the European Union and, in particular, the issue of negotiations and their completion date. Reference is made to politicians’ statements connected with it and predicted results of the approaching referendum. The scepticism of Poles is justified, whereas the necessity of joining the EU - in my opinion - is unquestionable. A few remarks are made in the article on the economic policy as a scientific discipline represented by me and my colleagues.