What happened
In an opinion piece summarized by Dagens Samhälle, business economist Louise Bringselius argues that citizens in today's welfare system are viewed merely as costs to be constrained. She writes that the scales always tip in favor of the budget when human needs are weighed against economic demands. The newspaper's debate roundup also covers issues concerning allmännyttan (municipal housing), the natural forest question, and the presence of political parties in schools.
Our analysis
When welfare is driven by the calculator, new Swedes are hit the hardest. In public debate, new Swedes are constantly singled out as an economic burden. In reality, it is new Swedes who open the elderly care homes in the morning, clean the hospital wards, and staff the emergency rooms.
Therefore, the pursuit of budget cuts hits the same group twice. New Swedes have to toil under poorer working conditions and more stressful schedules in healthcare and caregiving. At the same time, they and their families receive worse public services when schools and health clinics in the suburbs suffer from cutbacks.
It is time to turn the question around. It is not the people who are a cost to welfare. It is a stingy system that refuses to invest in those who sustain the country that is costing Sweden its future.
Explained
Allmännyttan refers to municipally owned housing companies that are intended to provide good rental housing for all residents, regardless of income or background.