The unions demanded and the soc-dems enacted another program with jobs for all at decent wages (compared to average existing wages). That was a hit and marked the start of some 50 years of full employment policies.
So I would say jobs for all with decent wages looks like the sensible demand. A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!
Instead I some time ago saw a documentary with a former union boss who was minister of employment or some such under Persson. There he explained that since unemployment was necessary they deemed that the young could handle it better and be more likely to get a job later on then older workers, so their politics aimed at protecting older workers and letting young people bear the burden of unemployment.
Now, of course the former minister should be credited for actually admitting that they were running a policy for unemployment - most would deny it. But it is tragic to see what has become of the union-soc.dem movement when the best they can come up with is pitting generations against each other. And of course the right-wing has used the conflict to gain youth votes in exchange for promises of low-paying jobs through lower employer taxes on the young. A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!
<facepalm> tens of millions of people stand to see their lives ruined because the bureaucrats at the ECB don't understand introductory economics -- Dean Baker
