Is Finland becoming communist?

[щрбл]

Finland to consider introducing universal basic income in 2017

Around 10,000 people in Finland could soon be receiving €550 each month if the government decides to implement a universal basic income pilot project.

A working group has advised the government to launch the tax-free wage, equivalent to unemployment and welfare benefits that cover food, personal hygiene and clothing, in 2017 for two years.

The income would be unconditional and would not involve being means-tested for benefits. It would replace part of Finland’s social security net.

The government will decide in May whether to go ahead with the scheme, as part of a wider effort to reduce national spending.

Hanna Mantyla, the minister of social affairs and health, said the project was needed because the Finnish social security system faced “big challenges in the future” if it was not simplified.

Professor Olli Kangas, the leader of the working group, said: “It would be secure income… It would encourage people who are afraid of losing their unemployment or other benefits [though working part-time] to take short-term jobs.”

The wage, according to Reuters, would be supplemented with earnings-related benefits when necessary. But those in the project who do earn a wage would pay the money back through increased income tax.

Universal basic income is also being considered in Switzerland, the Netherlands and France.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...-a6963321.html

[Taiguaitiaoghyrmmumin]

Finland to consider introducing universal basic income in 2017



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...-a6963321.html

lol Europe is socialists as fuck but Europeans always complain the US is socialists

[Danaan]

This isn't socialist per se. The implementation is important.

[morski]

I believe they are giving this a try somewhere in the Netherlands too. The Swiss had a referendum on whether to try it out or not, and voted "Nay".

[Methmatician]

Basic Income is not communist. Currency is capitalism no matter how it's handled.

[Dr. Robotnik the Subbotnik]

that moment when you realize Milton Friedman advocated for basic income

it's def. not Communist idea.

[Dr. Robotnik the Subbotnik]

Basic income will actually fuck over the poor. That is if public services are taken away and it is like a replacement for them. It will not work, the market will fluctuate and this 'basic income' may not be enough to afford basic things.

It depends on the number of poor.

In combination with public services, on the other hand, I would argue that is much too generous. Welfare system should mean only the poorest get what they absolutely need to live.

[catgeorge]

This is not communist - this is very smart

[catgeorge]

Basic income will actually fuck over the poor. That is if public services are taken away and it is like a replacement for them. It will not work, the market will fluctuate and this 'basic income' may not be enough to afford basic things.

It depends on the number of poor.

In combination with public services, on the other hand, I would argue that is much too generous. Welfare system should mean only the poorest get what they absolutely need to live.

How does it fuck the poor when that money is circulated back into the economy almost by force? The poor never had that momney to begin with and small business has opportunity to grow

[Neon Knight]

Experimenting with policies is a good thing, instead of people pretending they can predict everything. It could work with strong immigration controls.