Maria Ohisalo debates the “shocking” reality of poverty in the EU

First and foremost I urge the Commission to present an ambitious anti-poverty strategy with legislative proposals to fight poverty.

On October 17th, the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day that serves as a reminder of the deep inequalities that persist in our society. While millions suffer in poverty, the rich continue to amass wealth, exploiting a system designed to protect their fortunes.

In 2022, approximately 95.3 million people in the European Union were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, representing about 22% of the total population. Young people, particularly those under 25, face high unemployment rates and precarious working conditions, putting them at a greater risk of poverty. In countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, youth unemployment has been a significant issue, especially following the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Europe’s wealthiest individuals, including Bernard Arnault (LVMH), Françoise Bettencourt Meyers (L’Oréal), and Amancio Ortega (Zara) or even Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Elon Musk (Tesla), saw their fortunes swell by billions during the COVID-19 crisis. Arnault, who became the world’s richest person in 2023, saw his wealth surpass $200 billion, largely due to stock market gains and the booming luxury goods sector, despite the economic downturn affecting many people. With that amount, every public primary school in all 26 EU member states could be thoroughly renovated — and there would still be 100 billion USD left over.

The wealthy do not become rich through hard work; they often exploit workers, avoid taxes, and benefit from a capitalist system rooted in class struggle, which prioritizes profits over people. Poverty is not inevitable; it results from political choices, reflecting deliberate intent and agency behind the significant transfer of wealth. Taxing the rich is essential to generating the revenue needed to fund public services, education, healthcare, and housing—critical elements that can lift people out of poverty.

Tax the rich. End poverty. The wealth of the few should serve the many, not the other way around.

Economic justice is not charity; it is a right.

On the occasion of the upcoming European Parliament Political Groups Presidents Conference, with the support of MEPs Marie Toussaint (Greens) and Pasquale Tridico (The Left) and the signature of other MEPs, we urge political leaders to reaffirm their commitment to fostering dialogue and inclusion through the renewal of vital Intergroups.

President Ursula von der Leyen’s plans for the next European Commission include a European Anti-Poverty Strategy for the first time ever. This strategy includes launching two major initiatives, the European Affordable Housing Plan and the Energy Prices Action Plan, to address housing and energy challenges across the EU.

While these commitments should be celebrated, the subsequent steps are crucial in determining whether these policies will yield meaningful change or merely serve as a symbolic gesture. The European Parliament will play a pivotal role in shaping future social policy and acting as a watchdog throughout this process.

Caritas Europa and the other signatories believe that the renewal of the parliamentary Intergroup on Fighting Against Poverty is essential for providing a dedicated platform for debate, assessment, and co-design of this framework.

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[KingdomChronicles-pq]

Let us be reminded what the word politician stands for;

It is a person who is a member of a registered private organization without personal indemnity insurance along with his organization is uninsured, campaigning for the eligibility to manage the taxpayer's resources and public offices for a period of his mandate without a publicly available made budget plan, that is approved by financial and legal regulatory bodies, or any kind of responsibility under the identity of the government they intend to lead others into a better future or submission.

The real question is what the taxpayers need for a better and more stable future and their families. Do they want these miserable totalitarian psychopaths who do not have a single idea of what is going to happen, or do they need licensed public employees who can allocate resources based on needs and moral principles without being biased over their eligibility for their power?

[ShahinParbaj-lz]

Women's so cute and looking pretty but handy so easy business.