An incoming government needs big, bold strategies to turn the ship around – ditching Brexit and austerity is the place to start | Ann Moody
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/small-state-is-for-small-minds-we-need-big-plans-brave-leaders/?feed_id=516&_unique_id=6637245fba6cb
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/small-state-is-for-small-minds-we-need-big-plans-brave-leaders/?feed_id=516&_unique_id=6637245fba6cb
I think there’s a lot to learn from Portugal’s experience since the 2008 financial crash. The then centre-right government responded much like the UK’s with ‘austerity’, and precipitated an even deeper economic crisis. Then in 2015 a left coalition came into government (the socialist party with the support of communists and greens), which boldly reversed both austerity and many signature aspects of neoliberalism, such as precarious employment.
Measures included: increase in the minimum wage; increase in social security and pensions; unemployment benefit increased and oppressive requirements removed; reduction in the working week; measures combating precarious employment; adult education and training improved; free schoolbooks introduced; reduced fares on public transport; etc...
Results: a period of economic recovery; public finances in surplus by 2019; decline in the unemployment rate to the lowest figure since 2003; poverty and income inequalities falling fast; measured by percentage of population at risk of poverty or social exclusion and income distribution inequality Portugal climbs the European averages.
In the 2022 election the socialist party goes on to win an absolute majority (although, interestingly, proves less successful without its green/communist partners).
@GeofCox @YorksBylines
That last point got me. I won't research it now, but the slowing of improvements without the previous 2 left partners is perplexing.
The other thing worth mentioning, perhaps, is that by the 2022 election... "While most countries in Europe struggled to keep their coronavirus infections under control, [Portugal] was becoming a world leader in terms of vaccinations – almost 90% of the population double-jabbed."