Economy – Page 3 – poll4all.org

Is BRICS a threat to the world order?

In your opinion, whom or what does the development of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other members) threaten the most?

The growing power of BRICS is one of the most unsettling trends in global politics and economics. For some, it’s finally a counterweight to the dominance of the dollar and Western corporations; for others – an alliance of authoritarian regimes under the guise of fighting for a “multipolar world.” The expansion of BRICS to include additional countries, including Arab states, is causing growing concern in Washington and Brussels. Is this the beginning of the end of the liberal order built around the U.S. and the EU? Or a natural correction of power after decades of Western hegemony? One thing is certain – the world will never be the same again. What do you think?

09/10/2025

4-day workweek

Do you support the idea of introducing a 4-day workweek while maintaining current pay?

The idea of a 4-day workweek with full pay electrifies public opinion. Some see it as a revolution comparable to the introduction of free Saturdays, while others view it as a utopia that would make society lazy and ruin small businesses. Supporters point to studies from Iceland and the United Kingdom, where a shorter workweek improved efficiency and mental health. Opponents warn that such a model could lead to price increases and reduced competitiveness. Is a 4-day workweek the future of a modern economy or a utopian experiment we simply cannot afford?

09/10/2025

Sanctions imposed on Russia

How do you assess the effectiveness of the economic sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine?

Economic sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine were meant to be an economic blow that would paralyze Putin’s state. Reality turned out to be more complex. While the Kremlin has lost access to Western technologies and financial markets, its economy has not collapsed – it has shifted to trade with China, India, and the so-called Western “gray zone.” Meanwhile, Europe pays for its own decisions: more expensive energy, industrial recession, and rising food prices. Have sanctions thus become a tool of pressure on Moscow, or rather a double-edged sword that also struck those who created it? Take part in the poll and judge for yourself.

09/10/2025

Europe as a single state

Do you support transforming the European Union into a single federal state - the so-called United States of Europe - with its own government, constitution, and common army?

The idea of transforming the European Union into a single federal state – the United States of Europe – divides public opinion like few other issues. For some, it’s the vision of a strong, united continent capable of competing with the US and China; for others, it’s a threat to national sovereignty. In the background lies the question of whether a shared army and constitution would strengthen Europe or turn it into a bureaucratic empire under the dominance of Brussels and Berlin. Supporters of federalization see it as salvation from chaos, while opponents view it as a step toward a new form of elite domination. Will Europe become a single state, or will it preserve its mosaic of national identities?

06/10/2025

Deposit system

Do you support the introduction of a deposit system for bottles and cans?

The deposit system for bottles and cans is a topic that divides people almost as much as taxes or vaccines. Some see it as a step toward a cleaner planet and more responsible consumption, while others view it as a clever way for the state to extract money under an environmental pretext. Supporters talk about millions of tons of plastic disappearing from forests and streets; opponents point to bureaucracy, queues, and higher prices. There are also questions about who will really profit from it: the environment or large corporations? Is the deposit system a real change for the better, or premium-grade green PR?

01/10/2025

Credit rating agencies

How do you assess the role of global credit rating agencies (e.g. Moody’s, S\&P, Fitch) in the economy and politics?

For decades, credit rating agencies have been regarded as some of the most important players in the global financial market, but their role continues to spark heated debate. For some, they are professional institutions without which investors would be navigating in the dark, while for others – a cartel-like mechanism that shapes markets more than it describes them. One only needs to recall the 2008 crisis, when AAA ratings for toxic financial instruments turned into a disaster. Critics argue that the decisions of Moody’s, S\&P or Fitch are not only economic but also political – deliberate downgrades can serve as a tool of pressure on governments and as a signal for speculators. Is this still an assessment, or already interference in the sovereignty of states? Take part in the poll and decide for yourself.

24/09/2025