New Approaches in Managing Social Welfare in Slovenia (1944–1947)

1944-1947

Abstract

Due to the input of the Slovene working people in the Second World War social welfare in Slovenia was to be organised anew. Theoretical program, designed by the members of the Liberation Front movement during the war, could not be put into practice immediately. The period following the war was too turbulent, the problems too numerous and unpredictable, finances extremely limited. Social programs tried to solve the most urgent problems and were helped by volunteer mass organisations: the Anti-Fascist Women’s Front, People’s Youth of Slovenia, and syndicates. 1947 was crucial for the Ministry of Social Welfare. Improvisation, lack of firm organisation, and self-initiative namely strongly disturbed the Slovene communist party which, following the ideal of the Soviet Union, decided on planned economy and was planning its first five-year period. The plan, which the Ministry had to submit a year in advance, became increasingly more important, and supervision of Ministry departments imminent. Social problems, however, did not follow the plan.