Eastern Europe’s food crisis : Course on comparative economic systems

Abstract

The crisis in Poland exploded when the government tried to raise food prices in the summer of 1980. Its attempt to do so triggered the trade-union revolution which in turn led ta last week’s military takeover. But the food crisis is not unique to Poland. The Soviet Union and most of the countries in eastern Europe are facing the consequences, of their failure to Provide their citizens with enough food at the right price. The effect in these countries could be as explosive as it has been in Poland.