Mi történt a magyar reformmal?

The author searches for an answer to the question why the Hungarian economic situation is worse in 1988 than it was in 1979—in spite of the emergence of a new wave of reform in economic theory and a favourable international judgement. The answer is twofold: the second mechanism developed in 1979-1981 enfeebled the efficiency of the indirect system, while from the measures approved in principle only the less relevant ones were introduced between 1984-1987 (and even these as isolated measures and gradually). Economic policy deviated from the declarations of intent not only as regards extent, but also in its direction: it was permeated by the protection of partial interests and import substitution. By 1988 the necessity—and, at the same time, the possibility—of a new reform fundamentally rearranging the relations coming about after 1979 has been created (even if the measures taken in the course of this year do not yet reflect it). A genuine reform can only be brought by a general programme of liberalization. Without it, it is impossible to stabilize the economy, while the support of society can still be won by a credible programme.