Privatization in Croatia: Standpoint of Croatian Citizens in 1998 and 2018

Abstract Background: The break-up of Yugoslavia has led to a transition from planned to the market economy. The main task of transition is privatization, which implies transferring most of the former social ownership to private individuals. The privatization process has marked the end of the twentieth century in Croatia and still carries many unanswered questions that have arisen because of the persistent need for privatization in the former, unconsolidated state. Objectives: The main objective of the paper is to make a comparison of respondents’ perception of Croatian privatization in 2018 compared to 1998. The aim is to investigate the similarities and changes in the attitudes of the Croats regarding the privatization processes that Croatia has engulfed in several stages. Methods/Approach: The survey was conducted on a sample of one hundred Croatian citizens about their perception of the privatization process in Croatia in 2018. Results of the survey in 1998 and 2018 were compared using the chi-square test. Results: The respondents in 2018 are convinced that the main goals of privatization have not been realized. Citizens’ distrust towards the system and institutions conducting the privatization process is greater in 2018 compared to 1998. Conclusions: Respondents perception of privatization has not changed significantly concerning the 20-year gap. Dissatisfaction due to the unfulfilled fundamental goals is still present, as is the need for revision of privatization.