Elderly Swedes Struggling to Make Ends Meet Amid High Inflation; Ulf Kristersson’s Government Blamed for Ineffectiveness
Older Swedes are facing difficulties in making ends meet due to the high inflation, with some elderly individuals even going into debt just to pay for the essentials. Criticism is now being directed at Ulf Kristersson’s government, which is deemed ineffective in handling the cost crisis. According to a recent poll, only 3% of Swedes believe that the government is doing a very good job.
The Senior Fair, the largest gathering for the elderly in Stockholm, took place this week. Aftonbladet, a leading Swedish newspaper, covered the event and highlighted the struggles faced by older Swedes. As the savings of many individuals are dwindling, Stockholm’s Auktionsverk, the world’s oldest auction house, suggested that people consider selling their possessions to overcome financial hardships.
New statistics from Folksam, a Swedish insurance company, reveal the grim reality faced by pensioners. On average, a 68-year-old has only around one hundred kroner ($11) left after paying for essential expenses. In some municipalities, pensioners born in 1955 are even going into debt to meet their basic needs. The situation is even more problematic for women over the age of 80 who have lost their partners, as they are particularly vulnerable to poverty.
Ulf Kristersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden, has faced criticism for his government’s handling of various crises, including a NATO crisis, a Koran burning crisis, a gang crisis, and the current cost crisis. A recent opinion poll revealed that only 3% of respondents believe the government is doing a very good job. The government’s perceived passivity and inaction have further eroded public confidence.
In contrast, other countries have implemented measures to address the cost crisis, particularly for pensioners. Examples include the introduction of a bank tax to redistribute excess profits, utilizing state mortgage institutions to lower mortgage rates, breaking up monopolies in the food industry, and increasing pensions and child support. Aftonbladet suggests that the government should take similar actions and open the treasury to help the Swedish people.
Despite the challenges, Sweden currently has a historically low national debt and capital taxes. The government has the option to borrow money and increase taxes for the wealthy to provide relief to those in need. The solution should not be for elderly individuals to sell their valuables but for the government to fulfill its responsibilities.
The situation for pensioners in Sweden is one that Ulf Kristersson and his government must address urgently. It is a matter of choice, and the government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens over all else.