This eighteenth special session of the General Assembly is taking place in a context of fundamental change. Recent political upheavals prompt us to hope that the new development strategy will be implemented in a different political context - in other words, one free of any ideological confrontation. International co-operation ccn more readily flow from a less State-oriented economic thinkirtJ to one that is more market oriented which forms a more solid basis for lasting growth and development. In this context I wish to make a few conanents about the implications of East-West relations at the development of the South. In less than a year, events in Eastern Europe have taken a turn which cannot fail to please us because they reflect a desirable will for change and a return to a concept of denocracy and freedom which we cherish. I have two comments to make in connection with these events. First of all, this evolution should have a healthy impact at the global level as well because it will now be increasingly difficult for any Government to sidestep the opinion of its population favouring a better distribution of a nation's wealth. It would be impossible to stifle the desire of the population to participate in the life and destiny of a country. It is not only in the countries of Eastern Europe that too much stress has been placed on authoritarian action of public authority and on economic development directed by the State. JVM/26 A/S-18/PV.2 124-125 (Mr. Geens, Belgium) Have we not in countless third-world countries witnessed a real concentration of competence towards Government administration, which then becomes an end in itself and constitutes an excessive budgetary burden? Have we not in many of these countries seen the greater part of time and money allocated to political administration and management, which is sometimes overly self-interested to the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the implications of East-West relations on the development of the South, highlighting the importance of a market-oriented economy and the need for governments to respond to their populations' desire for a better distribution of wealth. The text also touches on the issue of authoritarian government and excessive bureaucratic burden in third-world countries.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade