public finance – Page 2

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

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

Mandatory helmet and liability insurance for bicycle and e-scooter users?

Should helmets and liability insurance be mandatory for users of e-scooters and bicycles?

The topic of mandatory helmets and liability insurance for bicycles and e-scooters is heating up public opinion. Supporters argue that since cars require seatbelts and insurance, similar rules should apply to other road users as well. Critics, however, warn against bureaucratic absurdities and yet another tax disguised as safety. The fact is that the number of accidents involving e-scooters is rising, and statistics on head injuries are alarming. On the other hand, some suggest that the whole debate is driven by the insurance lobby, eager for millions of new clients. Will such obligations actually improve safety, or rather restrict freedom and mobility? Cast your vote in the poll and see what others think.

24/09/2025

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

Digital money instead of cash – the future of finance or a tool of control?

In your opinion, is the introduction of central bank digital currency (CBDC) and the complete withdrawal of cash a good solution?

Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a topic that excites public opinion around the world. Supporters see it as the future of finance – the end of printing costs, instant payments, and complete convenience in everyday life. However, critics warn that the total elimination of cash could mean the death of anonymity and the last guarantee of citizens’ financial freedom. The introduction of CBDC in the hands of the state could give authorities a tool for full control over spending – from limiting “harmful” purchases to blocking politically incorrect transactions. There are also conspiracy theories that CBDC is a prelude to the social credit system known from China. Will we give up privacy in exchange for convenience?

12/09/2025

Tag: public finance