In 2003, the country continued its transformation, shifting from fundamental macroeconomic reforms to systemic changes in a number of areas. The new center right government formed after the 2002 parliamentary elections launched essential reforms in the health care service and the taxation, pension, and education systems. At the start of 2003, the political will to adopt inevitable socioeconomic measures, as well as the institutional stability necessary for their implementation, seemed to be sufficient. However, relations among members of the ruling coalition grew increasingly complicated in the course of 2003, encouraging frequent conflicts that preoccupied the time and energies of the governing parties leaders. Owing to these conflicts, the degree of trust among coalition partners diminished significantly. In the second half of 2003, public opinion polls indicated a visible drop in support for the governing parties (especially the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union) and the cabinets public credibility. The new administrations deteriorating popularity stemmed from the public unfulfilled expectations for positive change and negative attitudes toward unpopular socioeconomic measures and conflicts within the ruling coalition.