The government’s austerity measures have manifested in severe spending cuts across critical sectors, including healthcare, social benefits, government agencies, and civil society. Additionally, regressive tax increases, notably a 1.5 percentage point rise in the basic VAT rate to 25.5 percent, have further burdened the population.
Beyond the questionable economic outcomes, the social costs are becoming increasingly apparent. Projections indicate a 9.2 percent increase in poverty and a 13.6 percent rise in child poverty. After a period of decline, homelessness is once again on the rise, driven by cuts to social benefits and housing services. The government’s dismantling of social housing is also expected to escalate housing costs.
Glad somebody notices!
Yep, it sucks, esp. for low-income people. The savings are minimal and very questionable considering that this will cost the country much more in the long run.
Didn’t even know about the dismantling of social housing. Jesus fucking holy Christ.
Who’s responsible? Far-right populists and the conservative party pandering to their constituency. Idiots.
Far-right and ancap/neolib types love austerity.
If you look at it from a certain angle, fascist parties are especially about imposing some sort of austerity in order to make sure that a special class gets more wealth and privilege.
Here’s a relevant interview:
The Roots of Austerity and 20th Century Fascism (feat. Clara Mattei) - YouTube
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/rishi-sunak-javier-milei-donald-trump-atlas-network
You mean they’re not actually on the people’s side? 🤯