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:: FUNCTIONING OF THE GOVERNMENT
::... Since proclaiming its independence Macedonia
has had experience of three governments. The first government, headed by Mr
Nikola Kljusev, achieved monetary independence for Macedonia and during his
mandate the Yugoslav army withdrew from the country. This government assumed
responsibility for the protection of Macedonia's international borders and it
also prepared an anti-inflation programme which had positive effects for some
time.
Branko Crvenkovski's government, elected in
September 1992 has several basics characteristics. Firstly, with the creation of
a parliamentary majority, the political parties participating in it with
ministers have for the first time managed to exercised direct power. Secondly,
also participating in the coalition is PDP, the largest party of the albanians
in the Republic of Macedonia, which has thus moved from a position of criticism
to bearing direct responsibility for the exercise of power. And thirdly, all the
political partners want the government to operate as a stable cabinet, while all
of them would reserve the right to programmatic differences.
The government has dealt mainly with
economic questions. Fluctuating success in the struggle against inflation in
1993 resulted in the Programme of Economic Stabilization. Thus the zone of
hyperinflation has been avoided. The government has successfully completed
negotiations with the IMF, IBRD, EBRD, the Paris Club and the Zurich Group.
Favorable financial agreements have been concluded which support the
stabilization programme, repayment of foreign debts and the stabilization of the
foreign balance of payments.
Economic issues dominated its 150 regular
sessions from the its formation until December 1993. Some 2.000 questions in
these areas were discussed. About 1.000 questions concerning the political
system and foreign policy were dealt with, while the number of those covering
social matters about 350. During the same period, the government discussed and
proposed about 400 draft acts to the Assembly for adoption. At the same time it
analyzed and adopted about 100 programmes in various fields and discussed a
large number of reports, briefings and other issues within the scope of its
constitutional competencies. Answers in writing to about 200 Representatives
questions were given, as well as about 250 statements of opinion which were
requested by the Assembly.
The efforts of the coalition government have
been concentrated on the preparation of a comprehensive programme of economic
stabilization. The Programme was supported by the IMF and other international
financial institutions, but it was of a predominantly restrictive character.
Less than a year before the elections this was certainly an unpopular move, but
the Government decided to proceed with it. The programme was considered part of
its responsibility during Macedonia's transition, because hyperinflation would
have definitely eroded the normative democratic premises of both the social and
political structure of the state. |
