Social Policy in the Czech "Republic": the Past and Future of Reforms

The development and controversies relating to Czech social policy after 1989 are described. The ambivalent character of the communist welfare state is considered first and its theoretical alternatives outlined second. After early energetic changes, stagnation has reigned since the mid-1990s. Despite problems, the current performance of the system is satisfactory. However, the system is not efficient in the long run as it would produce an increasing debt toward the future. Reforms are necessary but their feasibility is rather doubtful due to fragility of the political scene.