We Pay Them to Decide – Not to Abstain

Every four years Swedish politicians beg us for our votes, our respect, and our trust.

They lecture us about “civic duty”, “saving democracy”, and how important it is that we show up at the ballot box.

Meanwhile, being a Swedish MP is an extremely well-paid job with generous benefits, long summer and winter recesses, and – until the end of 2014 – one of the most generous pension systems in the world.

Back then, just 12 years in parliament was enough to secure a full, lifelong pension. A 32-year-old could literally retire for life on a very comfortable income paid by the taxpayers.

Since the 2014 reform they now have to work a full 30 years to earn the maximum pension.

But what still infuriates me the most is the three voting buttons in the Riksdag: FOR, AGAINST, and ABSTAIN.

We pay these people enormous salaries and give them real power in exchange for doing a job. The least they can do is take a clear stand.

If you’re not prepared to vote either for or against something, you shouldn’t be a politician.


This is a new post on the new dewlar.me blog.
You can find the old blog here:https://mrsdewlar.blogspot.com


Leave a comment