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Archived Articles
Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.
He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.
In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.
Global Real Estate Project
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Baltic 'success stories': how did they make it?Among former communist states three Baltic ex-Soviet republics represent particular interest. Against many odds they managed to succeed where so many other nations failed. They built strong economic and political foundations for bright development instead of falling down to new form of authoritarianism. They still need another decade or two of high growth rates to catch up with leading West European nations. This doesn't sound good enough only for those just turning on their TVs, but for countries left outside the main rim of social progress for centuries this development is nothing short of miracle. Such 'miracles' need more publicity than they actually get. Establishing peace and prosperity where conflicts and repression once reigned, this would be something in interest of all, not just of those concerned. Baltic 'exceptionality' began immediately after the fall of communism, which fairly coincided with the collapse of ex-USSR. Instead of trying to reestablish economic links with Russia these republics cut even deeper into existing relations with former imperial center. They preferred not to listen those asking for 'milder' market reforms. They were wise enough to see shrinking window of opportunity when they could count on popular support for building economy on different basis, oriented toward West. Gradually almost all ex-Soviet nations understood this simple truth, but 15 missing years was something nobody could erase. Window of opportunity is already closed, for some countries it may already be sealed off. Cutting off relations with Moscow was the first but by no means the only step three Baltic republics made accounting for their current successful development. Closer relations to Moscow may increase chance of authoritarian development, but staying away from Russia isn't guarantee for democracy and prosperity. Next important step was decentralization of political power, a trend exactly the opposite of what we see in Russia and its new satellites. Decentralized power is something many in former communist states see as weakness, especially during time of nation-state building. They would prefer to see a strong leader imposing fast new laws and regulations. In fact however strong leaders impede social and economic development, they quickly become agents of rent-seeking forces making money of incomplete reforms and unclear rules. Third step, still unclear as to its final results and consequences, came with decision to seek membership in two major western clubs, EU and NATO. One thing is certain though; this membership prevented all three Baltic States from turning into 'exclusive republics', based on ethnic kinship and repressing minorities. Instead they had to apply several norms limiting state vis-à-vis ordinary citizens and social groups. For example, armed forces from the very beginning of their existence had to be subordinated to political leadership; government had to be held accountable to local authorities, some of which representing ethnic minorities. In separate development, some state authority had to be transferred to supra-national bodies in Brussels. Thus a combination of initial bold leadership, institutional restrains against new tyranny, and decisive western foreign orientation to bodies requiring less concentration of power and clearer regulations, all these measures led to 'success stories' we witnessed. Can other countries copy this successful pattern of development? Optimism here should be cautious. Not all former authoritarian countries can count on mass literacy; by far not all can count on possible membership in organizations like NATO or EU. Yet many good examples show that there is life outside this western rim of prosperity. In fact this rim of prosperity is constantly growing, including some countries of Asia, and as we can witness some former communist nations too. Their success can provide good demonstration effect to all those wishing to follow on their steps.
Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) profiles: --------------------
See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
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