The Maltese Islands - Some Benefits of Socialism
As some of you may know, I am a resident of the Maltese Islands.
For those of you unfamiliar with these islands - they are a set of land-masses totalling some 320 square kilometers (or 125 square miles) located more or less in the center of the Mediterranean sea, south of Sicily and north of Libya.
While the Maltese Islands have traditionally been of strategic interest to those who have wished to maintain control over the Mediterranean, they have experienced peace for most of the time since the end of the 2nd World War.
While I could dwell upon the Islands' rich history I would like to take a moment today to talk about some things that the Maltese Islands do right that have been for the benefit of the population. Of course there does exist a flipside to this but let me just focus upon the positives - and of course even here there are some things that can be done even better.
While reading through this list I'd like you to dwell upon your nation and ask whether it would benefit from such. The aim is not to boast.
Free Education
Disclaimer: Yes, I am aware that "free" actually means "taxpayer paid".
Well, for the most part, up to Bachelor's level. I'm not saying that there aren't expenses involved, like school uniforms, books, and the like, but there are routes via which many students can get their university degree without getting swamped in debt.
Also... many students benefit from stipends to continue their studies.
Sadly it seems that things are changing and while I wouldn't at all mind a nominal fee for signing up, I would really not like to see students ensnared in a 'start out life in indentured servitude through economic slavery' scheme.
Free Healthcare
While there are some limitations to this that I'm not very familiar with, a lot of citizens benefit from free healthcare within the public sector - and also free (chronic) medications.
There also exist old peoples homes that deduct a percentage from a person's pension to retain them within a long term "rehabilitation" home. Its not perfect but its State-funded.
Very Low Unemployment
4.2% Unemployment. Not bad.
Underemployment figures are likely higher.
Mildly Controlled Capitalist Market
In spite of public facilities existing in some sectors like health and education, the Maltese Islands are not short of private or even church interests.
While barriers to the opening of new businesses could be lower, the Maltese Islands are still not a bad choice.
Of course there are some things working in favour of the Maltese Islands, not least being that the nation is a popular tourist destination. The Islands have also been called a "tax haven" for having more competitive rates than other EU nations - e-gambling companies seem to like that one.
I must wonder though. If this arrangeent works out well enough for a few specks in the Mediterranean sea, why can't this also on a larger scale? Maybe for a few coastal areas in the region could benefit similarly.
So let us turn your attention to your country now. What one thing would you like the State to intervene with and have the taxpayers foot the bill?
If you found this post interesting and would like to share this with your friends then a resteem couldn't hurt.
If you 'didn't' like this (Maybe you're simply against any form of State intervention) then feel free to share your views in comments. Just remember to be nice, OK? :c)
Sincerely,
Malta fascinates me. I will go there some day. And I have a lot of reading to do, medieval mostly, that relates to Malta. I am fascinated with microstates, as well. So Malta ticks many of the points in my sheet.
Visit me in Uruguay, I´ll visit you in Malta!
Malta has its ups and it has its downs :c)
It is also very dense - for better or worse - and this in most ways imaginable.
I must admit that Uruguay hasn't ever got on to my radar but I will keep it in mind when I get back from my travels. a blank slate means there is a lot more to discover. ^_^
Thank you kindly for the comment @gregario. :c)
There are definitely positives of state provided benefits. My first question is to the quality of those benefits - I have no idea - do you feel that they are good? The problem would be using taxpayer monies on a benefit that is subpar. Free education for either a Bachelor's Degree or Trade/Skill certification would be my first choice (as an American).
Thank you @jannell for going through my post and commenting. ^_^
A very good question. There are limitations in that certain serious cases of cancer and other advanced treatments still require flying out to the UK, though there are regular cancer treatment facilities. Also, waiting lists can be months in length.
That being said, the array of services available within the public health system are quite respectable (I've heard it bragged often enough that local services rank quite highly in the World - and I am of the understanding that foreign individuals admitted or in need of medical assistance in the Maltese Islands have found the services to be prasie-worthy).
One 'catch' is that one often needs to be referred by a doctor - which usually means paying at least EU10 to visit a doctor for that referral.
(whistling innocently as I add one little thing to the education section that I forgot to mention)
Free education is a good choice. I may need to be clearer - you didn't have to choose from the above mentioned factors. You could have chosen free trips to Disney World. ;c)
I completely agree that taxpayers monies being spent on a service that is subpar is not acceptable. In the Maltese Islands, mental health and elderly rehabilitation/home facilities can use some shoring up.