Oh, but the Swedes have been competitive.
The reason is that the overall population works pretty hard when they do work.
There isn’t the “underclass” of total buffoons like there is in the US.
Unfortunately, the government has imported the underclass in large quantities from Eastern Europe and Africa so it will catch up to them one of these days.
My son was born in Sweden. We were given the 18 months as well but didn’t use it. Too busy. But, it is nice.
I feel bad for my friends who have kids and then have to go back to work in a couple of weeks. So much bonding is missed.
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Nailed.
That along with the sheer size difference, are things that are so conveniently ignored when we are continually reminded of what Socialist paradises these Scandinavian countries are.
You weren't given anything. You were giving nearly 60 percent of every kronor over about 70k, 25% VAT and paying $6 for a cup of coffee.
If Swedes were 100% more productive than Americans then your analysis would be spot on, but with all their other benefits (including, I expect, a 35-hour work week) I expect their productivity is fairly low.
Great benefits, but cars cost 100% than in the US because of taxes, and if they had to fight, they couldn’t afford a standing army large or well-equipped enough to beat the Swedish military of Napoleonic times. Not only because there are no taxes left to give but because the men and women have been sissified into complacency and dependency.
Such is the impact of “free” single-payer health care, generous benefits, and total government dependency.
Give me the good ole USA anytime.