Sweden the worlds most democratic country

[Kärnfysikern]

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=42356

Influential British magazine The Economist has placed Malta in 15th place on the democratic leaderboard, outpacing powerhouses such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

The report The World in 2007 said that almost half the countries in the world can be classified as being democratic, but only 28 countries can be described as true democracies.

These 28 feature the most developed nations of the world. The report was drafted on five criteria; electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties, with a maximum of 10 points per each category.

Based on these categories, The Economist classified the countries into four stages of democracy; full democracy, 28 countries; flawed democracy, 54; hybrid democracy, 30; and authoritarian regime, 55.

The Economist stated that despite the recent wave of democratisation in the world, only 13 per cent of the global population are considered to live in a true democratic country, while on the flipside, some 40 per cent still live under authoritarian or totalitarian regimes.

Sweden is the most democratic country, according to the research, with 9.88 average score.

[ecivon]

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=42356

Yep, for certain and where are you from Johan ... LOL

[Kärnfysikern]

some political experts in sweden doesnt agree however
http://www.thelocal.se/5578/

[Kärnfysikern]

Yep, for certain and where are you from Johan ... LOL

Hard to guess aint it

[ecivon]

Hard to guess aint it

Nothing wrong about those kinds of bragging rights!!!

[Logan13]

Also in The Economist...........
....In truth, the Swedish economy's best years are long gone. Between 1870 and 1950, average growth in Swedish GDP and productivity was, by some measures, the fastest in the world. In 1970 Sweden was the fourth-richest member of the OECD club of industrial countries. But for most of the past 50 years the story has been one of relative decline, including a deep recession in the early 1990s (see chart 1). By 1998 Sweden had fallen to 16th in the OECD rankings. It has since climbed back a bit, but the relatively strong growth of the past decade should be seen mainly as a rebound from the 1990s trough.

Too few jobs
Set against this are two big weaknesses. The worst is employment. Par Nuder, the finance minister, makes much of Sweden's having the highest employment rate in the European Union after Denmark, at just over 70%. The official unemployment rate is 6%. But Sweden is a world champion at massaging its jobless figures, which exclude those in government make-work programmes, those forced into early retirement and students who would prefer to be working. Sweden's suspiciously large number of workers on long-term sick leave are counted as working, and included in the employment rate (sickness benefits account for 16% of public spending). Absenteeism is common.

Earlier this year the McKinsey Global Institute, a think-tank, studied Sweden's labour market. It found that the rate of employment among working-age people had declined in the past decade. Indeed, Magnus Henrekson of the Research Institute of Industrial Economics says that Sweden has created almost no net private-sector jobs since 1950* (see chart 2). Youth unemployment is among the highest in Europe. The McKinsey boffins conclude that the “true” unemployment rate is around 15-17%, which puts Sweden among the worst job-fillers in the EU. It translates into more than 1m people without work.

The shortage of jobs is felt most acutely by Sweden's fast-growing immigrant population. Thirty years ago Sweden was a largely homogeneous country, but today 10% of its people (and one-seventh of those of working age) are foreign-born. Sweden's new immigrants—especially the country's fast-increasing Muslim population—have integrated poorly compared with the arrivals of the 1970s and 1980s. But the biggest problem for immigrants, as for young Swedes, is work. A study of comparable Somali groups in Sweden and Minnesota found that less than a third of working-age Somalis in Sweden had jobs, half the share in Minnesota.

The result is a worrying new group of excluded people in Swedish society. Mauricio Rojas, who arrived from Chile in 1974 and is now a member of parliament for the (opposition) Liberal Party, says that the number of “excluded areas”—places that are most deprived in terms of jobs, housing, access to transport, protection from crime and so forth—has risen from three in 1990 to 157 now. Most of these areas are heavily populated by immigrants.

Obstacles to job creation are everywhere in Sweden. Although the country's big companies have long thrived, the regulatory and tax climate is chilly to newer and smaller companies. Only one of Sweden's 50 biggest companies was founded after 1970; and Sweden has the lowest rate of self-employment in the OECD. The much-vaunted trilateral partnership between government, employers and unions works if the employer is an established large company; for a new or smaller one, it simply adds to costs. High personal taxes and generous welfare benefits—which pay people who lose their jobs as much as 80% of previous incomes for three years—discourage work. The “tax wedge” (ie, the non-wage cost of employment) is too thick, especially for low earners.

Above all, the labour market is heavily regulated. The government's labour-market board, once praised for active labour-market policies that got most of the long-term unemployed back into work, now manages to find only one-tenth of the jobs that the unemployed eventually take. Assar Lindbeck, a veteran economist, suggests that the board has become a Social Democratic holy cow that should be slaughtered by any new government.

Although there is no formal minimum wage, Sweden's powerful unions enforce one in practice. The terms of labour contracts are largely set by unions, which dislike temporary or part-time work. In Waxholm, north of Stockholm, the unions managed in 2004-05 to force a Latvian firm that had won a contract to build a school to apply Swedish collective agreements to Latvian workers. The firm went bust—and the flow of cheaper workers from eastern Europe, which Sweden was one of only three EU countries to accept openly in 2004, dried up. In contrast to Denmark's unions (see article), Sweden's also make it expensive to sack anybody, which discourages hiring.

Too many in the public sector
An overweening public sector has stifled growth in jobs in service industries. Sweden's public sector is, indeed, the economy's second big failing. Mr Nuder asserts that it is no worse than any other, and he claims that the Social Democrats welcome choice in education and health care. Yet Sweden's public sector accounts for 30% of total employment, twice the share in Germany. And, although public-sector productivity figures are unreliable, one recent assessment of efficiency of input use puts Sweden at the bottom of all OECD countries (see chart 3).

It is true, as Mr Nuder says, that Sweden has introduced choice more widely than, say, Britain. Parents can use what are, in effect, taxpayer-financed vouchers at private schools. Private health-care provision is expanding fast. Yet the culture of, to say nothing of the union influence on, the Social Democrats is against competition and private provision of public services. Carl Bildt, who was the Moderate Party prime minister during the recession of the early 1990s, notes that the government now crows about how the huge expansion of privately provided child care has helped to keep up female participation in the workforce. Yet when he pushed through the necessary legislation, it was in the teeth of fierce Social Democratic opposition.

Given Sweden's poor employment record and high taxes, why do so many voters stick with the Social Democrats? One answer, says Mr Lindbeck, is that so many are dependent on the state: some 30% work for it, and a bit over 30% receive transfer payments. Another answer is offered by Mr Rojas. Asked why the opposition's programme is a lot more centrist than it was in 2002, Mr Rojas suggests that a big lesson from the past has been that it is a mistake to attack the government too fiercely, since “all Swedes are to some extent Social Democrats.” An attack on social democracy risks, in other words, being seen as an attack on Sweden itself.............

[Kärnfysikern]

The article above contains most of the reasons why I voted against the social democrats 2 months ago. They had been in power to long and had lost the edge. They have handled the unemployment situation horribly.

But truth to be told our economy right now is doing remarkably well. Our big companies are recording profits above anything before. We are consistently doing better than our EU buddies. Except perhaps the UK.

http://www.morganstanley.com/views/g...61122-Wed.html

The 2007 wage round will take place amid favourable business cycle conditions. With an annualised growth rate of 5.5% during the first half of the year, the Swedish economy is currently experiencing the strongest rate of growth since the boom year of 1999. At the same time, the unemployment rate has been on a downward trend since the beginning of 2005,

High growth in the Swedish economy and declining unemployment is also reflected in an increasing number of Swedish companies reporting labour shortages within their industry. The largest fraction of companies reporting labour shortages is in the construction sector, where close to 70% of construction companies report problems with attaining enough workers. Less so, but still on a rising trend, 30% of companies in the private services sector now report problems with recruitment. Meanwhile, 14% of companies in the business sector (trade) report labour shortage. More constant, only 4% of companies in the large manufacturing sector are currently reporting labour shortage. The low level of companies reporting labour shortage in the manufacturing sector is not surprising, as the manufacturing sector has been the main sector behind the high productivity growth rates in Sweden during recent years — subsequently resulting in the years of job-less growth. We expect hiring in manufacturing to pick up going forward.

Companies in Sweden are currently experiencing some of the highest profits for 15 years. Using the gross operating surplus (GOS, derived from the national accounts. It is calculated as the gross value added less compensation of employees and indirect net taxes paid by producers. In macroeconomics, the GOS is therefore used as a proxy for total pre-tax profits.) from the national accounts, it is clear that in particular private services and the manufacturing sector have experienced very strong profits during recent years. Also, the construction sector has experienced high profit growth during recent years, following years of lower real profits during the 1990s. Parts of corporate profits are paid out to investors and parts are ploughed back into corporate investment. We expect corporate investment to continue expanding in the years to come, although at a gradually declining rate.

[Logan13]

The article above contains most of the reasons why I voted against the social democrats 2 months ago. They had been in power to long and had lost the edge. They have handled the unemployment situation horribly.

But truth to be told our economy right now is doing remarkably well. Our big companies are recording profits above anything before. We are consistently doing better than our EU buddies. Except perhaps the UK.

http://www.morganstanley.com/views/g...61122-Wed.html

It would seem that Sweden's growth has been slowed ever since immigrants have been pouring into your country and reaping the rewards of this socialist framework but not adding much to your economy. Did that article say "No net jobs have been added since 1970"?

[Kärnfysikern]

It would seem that Sweden's growth has been slowed ever since immigrants have been pouring into your country and reaping the rewards of this socialist framework but not adding much to your economy. Did that article say "No net jobs have been added since 1970"?

I dont know how much of a burden imigrants are, never bothered to look up any figures. But I bet they cost plenty.
But to be honest it seems like most of the new companies started are started by imigrants aswell. So it seems like imigrants are split into those that want to take advantage of sweden and those that want to make the best out of the oppertunity to live in sweden. Which group is biggest I cant tell.

But I am against the mass imigration without a doubt. It doesnt make sense to allow huge imigration at the same time as we have a big unemployment situation. Its to politicaly incorrect to say we should limit imigration though All parties in sweden, doesnt matter if its right or left, agree that imigration should continue at the present rate. Morons.

The slow down of the economy In the 80's and 90's I think was mainly because of the fall of the soviet union(we sold alot of shit to them) and the IT bubble. Sweden is quite dependent on the high tech market. Ericsson is probably swedens biggest money cow.

I didnt notice any reference to 1970 in the article??

[Kärnfysikern]

One thing thats so ****ing anoying right now is the publics reaction to the right wing alliance that won the election.

They clearly stated over and over again that if they win they will cut down taxes, reduce unemployment benifits, cut down the ammount of money you get after 200 days of unemployment, reduce other wellfare benifits and start to privatize more state run buisnesses.
Now that they are acctualy doing exactly what they say they would do the predominantly leftist newspapers are labeling them like liars and traitors. And everyone is whining about it. WTF?

I voted for them because of those things.

[Prada]

Immigration is suppose to fuel the economy rather then be a burden upon it, refugees perhaps but not immigrants. Im not sure of Sweden's immgration policies but Im sure they are intersted in adopting indivduals which would benefit the state. Unless there is a mass exodus of migrants I dont see how immigrants would be a burden. as far as the economy is concerned with a natural birth pace overshadowed by natural death rate, one should praise immigration. The legal and pacified ones that is

[Logan13]

Immigration is suppose to fuel the economy rather then be a burden upon it, refugees perhaps but not immigrants. Im not sure of Sweden's immgration policies but Im sure they are intersted in adopting indivduals which would benefit the state. Unless there is a mass exodus of migrants I dont see how immigrants would be a burden. as far as the economy is concerned with a natural birth pace overshadowed by natural death rate, one should praise immigration. The legal and pacified ones that is

But their immigration unemployment rates are threw the roof. Scenario is that many immigrants are not working(i.e. contributing to the economy in taxes) but they are collecting on the gov't's social services. They are draining the economy.........

[Prada]

But their immigration unemployment rates are threw the roof. Scenario is that many immigrants are not working(i.e. contributing to the economy in taxes) but they are collecting on the gov't's social services. They are draining the economy.........

I see, this is Sweden you speak of? If so I guess they have a major immigration policy issue. They need to screen their applicants better. They should be the complete reciprocal of "draining the economy"

[Kärnfysikern]

Immigration is suppose to fuel the economy rather then be a burden upon it, refugees perhaps but not immigrants. Im not sure of Sweden's immgration policies but Im sure they are intersted in adopting indivduals which would benefit the state. Unless there is a mass exodus of migrants I dont see how immigrants would be a burden. as far as the economy is concerned with a natural birth pace overshadowed by natural death rate, one should praise immigration. The legal and pacified ones that is

They are a burden because of the sheer imensity of imigration. In not so long we have gone from having very few imigrants into having 10% of our population beeing imigrants. I dont think we ever had enough jobs to offer and they dont seem to create enough new jobs. They are also dumped into comunities that even before have loads of unemployment and no future.

I do not opose imigration. But we cant just open our borders and hope things will sort themself out.

Those imigrants that come here and have high academic qualifications usualy end up sweaping the floors at some warehouse. So we dont take advantage of there qualities either. Our imigration policy is 100% a failure.

The main problem is also that the only party now that even tackles these issues are a semi nazi party. None of the established parties touch it because of fear of beeing labeled. So while the politicians are to afraid to do something about the situation or make demands on the imigrants we just let more and more people in and make the problem worse.

Its even semi tabu to even suggest they should have a working understanding of swedish after 2 years of beeing here.

But their immigration unemployment rates are threw the roof. Scenario is that many immigrants are not working(i.e. contributing to the economy in taxes) but they are collecting on the gov't's social services. They are draining the economy.........

Yupp.

I see, this is Sweden you speak of? If so I guess they have a major immigration policy issue. They need to screen their applicants better. They should be the complete reciprocal of "draining the economy"

Well even suggesting screeing imigrants before letting them in would probably be considered politicaly uncorrect god knows what a fuss the media would start if a politician acctualy suggested we only let those in that can be a advantage to our country. The culture in sweden is such that its uggly to suggest we want to profit on them.

[Logan13]

To be allowed to live in Australia, each candidate must work in a field that needs to be filled in this country. This is why Australia does not have an immigration issue, well that and the fact that they are an island........

[Kärnfysikern]

To be allowed to live in Australia, each candidate must work in a field that needs to be filled in this country. This is why Australia does not have an immigration issue, well that and the fact that they are an island........

Try to say that is a good system to implement in europe and the far left will give you the knot on a rope ala bond treatment(if you have seen casino royale you will know what I am talking about ) and scream your a rasist pig.

[Prada]

They are a burden because of the sheer imensity of imigration. In not so long we have gone from having very few imigrants into having 10% of our population beeing imigrants. I dont think we ever had enough jobs to offer and they dont seem to create enough new jobs. They are also dumped into comunities that even before have loads of unemployment and no future.

I do not opose imigration. But we cant just open our borders and hope things will sort themself out.

Those imigrants that come here and have high academic qualifications usualy end up sweaping the floors at some warehouse. So we dont take advantage of there qualities either. Our imigration policy is 100% a failure.

The main problem is also that the only party now that even tackles these issues are a semi nazi party. None of the established parties touch it because of fear of beeing labeled. So while the politicians are to afraid to do something about the situation or make demands on the imigrants we just let more and more people in and make the problem worse.

Its even semi tabu to even suggest they should have a working understanding of swedish after 2 years of beeing here.



Yupp.



Well even suggesting screeing imigrants before letting them in would probably be considered politicaly uncorrect god knows what a fuss the media would start if a politician acctualy suggested we only let those in that can be a advantage to our country. The culture in sweden is such that its uggly to suggest we want to profit on them.

Thats why we have a clear distinction between Immigrants and Refugess, in terms of policies and treatment. Dont want to be deemed to be profiteering but yes you must qualify and be deemed an asset. An Immigrant has to at least have "potential" just letting in people blindly I would have to conclude, that one bestowed it upon themselves.

[RA]

I knew the article would be horshit before I read it. But here goes...

"The report points out that United States has suffered “a serious erosion of civil liberties” in the context of the war on terrorism, similar to the UK with a significant declination in political participation. "


If you look at the last presidential election, more people voted then at any other election in history...so where is the decline in political participation? This is percieved propaganda again and its getting boring.

Of course they are going to pick way more liberal countries because that, in the opinion of the writer, is what is best.

I would like to see proof of this erosion of civil liberties

[Kärnfysikern]

I knew the article would be horshit before I read it. But here goes...

"The report points out that United States has suffered “a serious erosion of civil liberties” in the context of the war on terrorism, similar to the UK with a significant declination in political participation. "


If you look at the last presidential election, more people voted then at any other election in history...so where is the decline in political participation? This is percieved propaganda again and its getting boring.

Of course they are going to pick way more liberal countries because that, in the opinion of the writer, is what is best.

I would like to see proof of this erosion of civil liberties

A bit americacentric are we

[RA]

A bit americacentric are we

Im just tired of America getting slandered. This is a great country. Im not running around telling Germany or Austrailia how to run their country but it seems all the European countries take it upon themselves to tell the U.S. what we are doing wrong all the time.

Its taken so far as to lie about us just like the article. They use made up excuses why America is bad.

Im damn happy to live here

[Kärnfysikern]

Im just tired of America getting slandered. This is a great country. Im not running around telling Germany or Austrailia how to run their country but it seems all the European countries take it upon themselves to tell the U.S. what we are doing wrong all the time.

Its taken so far as to lie about us just like the article. They use made up excuses why America is bad.

Im damn happy to live here

It just seems like you search all you can for any mention of america at all in any article even when its not realy about america in the first place

[RA]

It just seems like you search all you can for any mention of america at all in any article even when its not realy about america in the first place

haha, I could be guilty but also think that way to much America bashing goes on in this forum. If you read the article from my point of view it is again anti-american...as is many articles on this site.

[Logan13]

haha, I could be guilty but also think that way to much America bashing goes on in this forum. If you read the article from my point of view it is again anti-american...as is many articles on this site.

It's hard to be #1, roid! People love to hate dominant winners: ie. NY Yankees, Dale Earnhardt,.....America. That's OK though, we can handle it just fine.

[Kärnfysikern]

haha, I could be guilty but also think that way to much America bashing goes on in this forum. If you read the article from my point of view it is again anti-american...as is many articles on this site.

I have tried to tone it down lately (the whole university thing isnt a bash, more like a alternative .
Right now russia is quite easy to bash but not so much in the media about russia, except for the assasination offcourse.

[J.S.N.]

To be allowed to live in Australia, each candidate must work in a field that needs to be filled in this country. This is why Australia does not have an immigration issue, well that and the fact that they are an island........

they do have issues right now, esp. anti-vietnamese and anti-"wog" (basically anyone not white) sentiments, accompanied by rioting.