I've been watching a lot of TA3 this year, sign of a dynamic life, and find the newscast to be good and informative. This week I caught a glimpse of a press conference given by Mikuláš Dzurinda, and this is what I think:
Mr. Dzurinda may be wrong in calling for an increase in labour flexibility.
Until recently Slovakia has been enjoying booming growth (the EU's highest in 2007) - in large part a result of the adjustments made by Mr. Dzurinda's administration - and the resulting influx of capital has been apparent: modern residential development, new cars, a general increase in the lightness of mood. This has been an important step forward and, in light of the present circumstances, securing these gains should be a priority.
As elsewhere, our turbulent CEE region feels the discomfort of the blind drop. Nevertheless, it is possible to confirm some facts, namely that the United States are printing an important quantity of money. As the USD, benchmark of currency valuation, is devaluated in an effort to provide the global economy with a floor, G20 governments can be expected to coordinate their policies and support this lead by performing a similar exercise. The Slovak Republic cannot ignore this direction and implement sweatshop policies incompatible with its improved level of development if it is to remain on track. A floor means work; a floor means work for a wage that buys something; it does not deprive consumers of the advantage which accession to the Euro has provided.
Last month the world made an adjustment (American citizens cut support for expansion war and voted-in a black man). It may have been very small, but it happened. Therefore avoiding failed policies should not overwhelm a political class which has succeeded in applying appropriate measures at the appropriate time; political leadership which, despite internal haggling, has prevented outdated concepts of left and right from interfering with recovery. It would be frustrating to miss out on the upcoming years of economic reconstruction, diversification and next-generation investment.
And there you are.
That being said, life in my Ružinov flat is rather quiet. I had an English class this morning. I had breakfast after that.
