Leszek Balcerowicz

Who Is Leszek Balcerowicz?

Leszek Balcerowicz is a renowned Professor of Economics at the Warsaw School of Economics and a member of the prestigious “Group of Thirty”, an international body of leading economists and financial experts. Recognized worldwide for his expertise in economic reforms and financial crisis management, he also serves as Honorary President of the esteemed Bruegel Institute in Brussels, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in global economic analysis.

What is his Background?

Leszek Balcerowicz served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Poland’s first democratic government following the communist era. During his tenure, he spearheaded the transformative “Balcerowicz Plan,” a comprehensive economic reform program that modernized Poland’s economy. This initiative included price and wage liberalization and the establishment of currency convertibility, laying the groundwork for Poland’s sustained economic growth and its status as a model for former socialist countries.

Throughout his career, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty in 2014, awarded by the Cato Institute for his dedication to promoting freedom and individual liberty. As the chief architect of Poland’s economic transformation, Balcerowicz’s legacy continues to inspire economists and policymakers worldwide.