Reprivatization

Reprivatization

Reprivatization refers to the process of restoring to its former owners properties seized by a government, or to the process of compensating previously uncompensated former owners. This is often a component of larger privatization schemes. The term is most often used in the connection with privatization in former Soviet Bloc countries or in reference to settlements concerning the property of murdered or displaced European Jews.

Reprivatization is often sought by members of the old nobility or their descendants who desire the return of the traditional family home for sentimental and/or financial reasons; by Holocaust survivors, their descendants, or survivors of persons who died in Nazi death camps and whose property was confiscated by the Nazis or by later Communist states and disposed of in various ways; and by corporations or other parties whose property was nationalized. It is very difficult to work out a one-size-fits all regime for property restitution, and it is often pursued on an "ad hoc" basis in the courts with varying degrees of success in different jurisdictions.

A significant barrier to reprivatization is created by larger political questions, which vary by country. In Eastern Europe, there is frequently a desire to avoid the inflammation of ethnic tensions and the ostensible reversal of Potsdam conference policies; see Federation of Expellees.

Outstanding reprivatization issues can sometimes be a barrier to foreign investment, as investors are wary of investing in a property to which the title is disputed or faulty.

Reprivatization by country

Poland

Unlike the industrial sector, Poland's agricultural sector remained largely in private hands during the decades of communist rule. Most of the former state farms are now leased to farmer tenants. Lack of credit is hampering efforts to sell former state farmland. Currently, Poland's 2 million private farms occupy 90% of all farmland and account for roughly the same percentage of total agricultural production. These farms are small--8 hectares (ha) on average--and often fragmented. Farms with an area exceeding 15 ha accounted for only 9% of the total number of farms but cover 45% of total agricultural area. Over half of all farming households in Poland produce only for their own needs with little, if any, commercial sales.

Ukraine

Reforms in the more politically sensitive areas of structural reform and land privatisation are still lagging. The parliament has approved a foreign investment law allowing Westerners to purchase businesses and property, to repatriate revenue and profits, and to receive compensation in the event that property is nationalized by a future government. Outside institutions—particularly the IMF—have encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms and have threatened to withdraw financial support.

See also

* land reform
* nationalisation
* restitution

External links

* [http://www.icps.com.ua/doc/nl_eng_20050221_0265.pdf International Centre for Policy Studies paper on reprivatization issues]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • reprivatization — (|)rē+ noun ( s) Etymology: re + private + ization : the act or action of privatizing again : restoration to private ownership or control (as after nationalization) the reprivatization of the subways is … to be desired Henry Hazlitt * * *… …   Useful english dictionary

  • reprivatization — noun The process or an instance of returning to private ownership. See Also: reprivatize …   Wiktionary

  • reprivatization — n. act of making private again, act of retransferring something from government to private control (also reprivatisation) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • reprivatization — re·privatization …   English syllables

  • reprivatization bill — law that calls for reprivatizing …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Portugal — /pawr cheuh geuhl, pohr /; Port. /pawrdd too gahl /, n. a republic in SW Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, W of Spain. (Including the Azores and the Madeira Islands) 9,867,654; 35,414 sq. mi. (91,720 sq. km). Cap.: Lisbon. * * * Portugal… …   Universalium

  • mass transit — a system of large scale public transportation in a given metropolitan area, typically comprising buses, subways, and elevated trains. Cf. rapid transit. * * * Transportation systems, usually publicly but sometimes privately owned and operated,… …   Universalium

  • Real Politics Union — Infobox Political Party party name = Unia Polityki Realnej party colorcode = #959EAF leader = Bolesław Witczak foundation = 6 December 1990 ideology = Liberal conservatism, Libertarianism, Monarchism headquarters = ul. Nowy Świat 41, 00 042… …   Wikipedia

  • Stagecoach Group — is a provider of bus, rail, and tram transport in the UK, and is an operator of bus and tour services in the United States and Cana …   Wikipedia

  • Nationalization — Not to be confused with Naturalization. Part of a series on Economic systems Ideological systems …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”