Right-wing talk of cutback lists are based on the false claims that Finland is out of money. In reality money is abundant and a lot depends on value choices and the direction of politics. Big companies are making huge profits while the cost of living for workers continue to rise. The rich and their hired hands cannot be allowed to continue as freeloaders. The Communist Youth works towards social change, in which power and wealth are transferred from the elite to the hands of the great majority of the working class.
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The tax system needs a renovation in which capital and the rich will be taxed more fairly. It is not only a question of putting in place the proper funding needed for welfare and services, but also of justness. The erosion of public services has continued from the 1990s to this day. Governments – regardless of composition – have seen services provided and funded by the state as cutbacks and items of expenditure. This short-sighted policy has now led to a crisis in public services. They can no longer withstand constant cuts, workers have been pushed to the limit, and services are not available for everyone who needs them.
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We have reached a tipping point, in which a choice needs to be made: whether to put things in order, or to continue to distribute tax breaks to the richest and cut services. Overcoming the crises of the welfare state requires a reform of the financial basis, to take money where there is plenty.
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The state must take over strategically important sectors, such as the production of energy and medicine, so that nationalised companies become productive while at the same time improving the resilience of society.
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Necessary changes in the taxation system, for example, the tax base must be harmonised so that capital and wage income are taxed progressively on the same basis, capital income must be subject to municipal taxation, property and capital taxation must be be raised to match the EU average. Reductions in employers’ national pension contributions must be cancelled and the wealth tax, transfer tax on stock exchange transactions and corporation tax must be refunded to 26%. In addition, the huge profits of energy companies must be cut immediately by imposing a tax that cuts unearned profits, which must also apply to TVO and its shareholders. Tax avoidance and harmful tax planning must beprevented, for example by improving tax avoidance investigations and by blocking
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loopholes in tax legislation.
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The state must take over strategically important sectors, such as the production of energy and medicine, so that nationalised companies become productive while at the same time improving the resilience of society. Through these companies, it is also possible to influence employment, provide more affordable housing and return power from companies to people.
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The Communist Youth encourages people to vote for the candidates of the Communist Party of Finland in the parliamentary elections in favour of the workers, radical social change and revolution.
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Communist Youth of Finland’s Annual Meeting 18.3.2023