Discuss the economic challenges of the post-communist era in one central or one eastern European country (1989–2000).

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the economic challenges of the post-communist era in one central or eastern European country (1989–2000). Challenges may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to economic issues such as government debt that the country might have been facing at the time. Candidates may refer to inflation and unstable food prices that posed significant economic challenges. Candidates may refer to difficulty in reforming a centrally-planned economy to enable the transition into a free market economy. Candidates may refer to internal dissatisfaction and bottom up pressures from civilians demanding opportunities and basic services. While other relevant factors, for example the transformation of state institutions and political factors, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.