Only a few days separate us from the end of 2012, a year that many feared – the superstitious due to predictions of the apocalypse, the rational due to extremely poor economic forecasts. If the former are right, this year will end very quickly. If not – a much tougher 2013 awaits us. However, forgive me, but that is not really a drama.
I remember through the fog, the summer of 2009. Dr. Ivo took off like the wind, and Kosor took his place. Many were then fighting for their heads, calling for help and claiming that the situation was terrible. At that time, the new Prime Minister told us in her radio voice that the situation was not critical. And indeed, looking from this position, she was right.
– We know where we are going and what exactly needs to be done. It is difficult to steer, but we must make firm, uncompromising, and painful decisions – she told us then.
How much things have worsened from the hot summer of 2009 to the cold winter of 2012! Many indicators have gone up, but they didn’t need to – most citizens of Croatia have certainly felt those changes on their skin. So, it really wasn’t critical then – there was more than enough room for improvement…
To those who think it can’t get worse, the Prime Minister now addresses them to dissuade them. She says it is not catastrophic.
– Perhaps this is not a bad warning for some about what the real situation is. It is extremely difficult. It is not catastrophic, but it is extraordinary – she told us the other day.
And it’s good that she told us, really, because a lot of citizens of Croatia have not noticed that the real situation is bad. It would not be good for them to live in a lie. Even worse would be if they think that this is the bottom and that it can’t get worse.
It can, and it will get worse – that is as clear as day. Next year we might even regret that there was no apocalypse. But that is not a reason for despair. In such moments, I always remember the words of a professor from the renowned business school, IMD in Switzerland. When we talked, it was a couple of years ago, I asked him how long he thought the crisis could last and when it might get better for us. Well acquainted with the situation in Croatia, he simply told me:
‘I don’t know why that worries you at all. I mean, you in Croatia. Well, you have always been in crisis anyway. You have never had well-paid jobs, big houses with pools, and expensive cars. Life has never been like in America or Germany. It has always been tough for you, there have always been some problems hanging over you. So, if nothing else, at least you are well prepared. No matter how long this lasts, and it could last, it is at least not a big shock for you.’
So, keep your head up! Whatever happens – Nigdar ni bilo da nekak ni bilo…
