We reach the inevitable comparison with the Nordic countries, those idyllic places where everything seems to run like a Swiss watch. When it comes to social policy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland are miles ahead of us. It is not that they do everything better, but almost.
In the Nordic countries, social benefits are not only more generous but also much better managed. According to OECD data, in Sweden, for example, 75% of unemployed people receive some kind of assistance, compared with 58% in Spain. Furthermore, the amounts are significantly higher, allowing people to live with dignity while seeking a new job.
On housing, the Nordic countries have much more developed social housing policies. In Denmark, 20% of homes are social rentals, compared with 2% in Spain. This means many families can access affordable housing without devoting most of their income to rent or a mortgage.
And then there is health care. In Norway, the average wait for nonurgent surgery is fifty days, far below Spain’s 121 days. And although taxes are higher in these countries, citizens feel they receive quality services in return, making them willing to pay more.
In summary, while the Nordic countries seem to have found the formula for social policies that run like a Ferrari, in Spain we are still pedaling a bicycle with a flat tire. And although we try to move forward, we do so in fits and starts, feeling we are always one step behind.