The new authorities in Zagreb charted a radically different course from that of their predecessors literally from the moment they came into office. Since then, with the Croatian press revealing details of scandals and implicating key figures in the ancien regime on virtually a daily basis, another 20 or so individuals have to date been arrested for a range of economic misdemeanours. If the task facing the new Croatian government was limited to holding members of the former ruling party accountable for abuses of power committed during the past decade, it would already be difficult. But it goes much deeper. The task is further complicated by war-related economic turmoil and the need to balance the interests of the country s Croat majority and Serb minority, a principle that Zagreb has committed itself to in both word and deed.
Structural reform is the order of the day.
Gradually, the new Croatian government will have to restructure the country s key institutions, including the military, media and secret services, as well as the way the economy is run, taking on deep vested interests every step of the way. Although the years ahead are likely to be tough in Croatia, the signs are, nevertheless, good. Tudjman's death removed the principal obstacle to reform. Policy reversals concerning Bosnia, cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague and a thoughtful, diplomatic offensive have generated International good will, providing prospects of much needed economic and expert assistance to ease the transition. Critically, Croatia's destiny is very much in Croatian hands, a situation which is not necessarily the case in the former Yugoslav republics immediately to the south.