Lessons from Finland : think BIG but act with pragmatism

In Finland, nearly 70 % of the population supports basic income. […] we all acknowledge the need for a universal, unconditional and simple solution. We do not have to agree on anything else. We believe that BIG is important, because it does three things : 1) it eradicates absolute poverty ; 2) it reduces bureaucracy ; 3) it lays the foundation for a new, sustainable relationship between states and markets.

[…] If a proposed basic income is not high enough to cover basic human necessities, like food, shelter and clothing, then it cannot be called basic income. BIG should also not be confused with means-tested grants or workfare schemes. We need to be clear about this. In Finland, the government’s position oscillates between a real basic income and austerity or workfare policies, but public pressure and intellectual debate are creating a space for a BIG experiment.

-- BIEN