On Friday, Jun 16th, we had a great pleasure to host professor Leszek Balcerowicz in our offices. Mr Balcerowicz is one of the most important European reformers in the post World War II period, known for his important role in the transition processes of Central and Eastern Europe after the Cold War.
During his work in the government of Poland, where he served two terms as the Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Government, as well as his work as the governor of the central bank, he implemeted free market reforms that turned Poland into a fast growing young economy. The pace and extent of the reforms inspired many other countries to pursue a similar path. These reforms to this day present one of the most important examples of what he called “the market revolution”.
The main topic of the meeting in Libek were the educational programs of Libek, with focus on our flagship project – the Public Policy Academy. Professor Balcerowicz was particularly interested in substance of this program and the impact it has had on the academic climate in Serbia. We used the opportunity to hear comments and advice in the field of research and public policy advocacy, and we reflected on the economic situation in Serbia.
In 2016, Libek published the “Great Rebirth”, a book on the transitional processes in Central and Easter Europe after the Cold War. This book includes an essay from professor Balcerowicz, titled “Stabilization and Reforms under Extraordinary and Normal Politics”, dedicated to the above mentioned reforms in Poland.
This visit from professor Balcerowicz is a great recognition of our work in the field of education, research and public policy advocacy, the fields Libek is working on to bring more individual and economic freedom and the framework for prosperity in Serbia.