public finance – Page 5

Are paper and wooden disposables really eco-friendly?

How do you assess paper and wooden straws, spoons, and cups in the context of ecology?

Paper and wooden straws, spoons, or cups are now seen as an “eco-friendly” alternative to plastic, but the issue is far from simple. Supporters point out that they decompose faster, reducing the risk of lingering in the oceans for hundreds of years. Critics, however, note that their production requires not only deforestation but also massive amounts of water and energy – often more than plastic. On top of that, there’s the inconvenient fact: most paper cups have a PE or PLA coating, which makes them non-recyclable and leaves them ending up in landfills. So isn’t this just “greenwashing,” a clever marketing trick to ease our consciences?

21/08/2025

Which country causes the most harm to the global economy?

Which country do you consider the most “dangerous” in terms of destroying other nations’ economies?

This question could spark a heated debate, as it strikes at the image of great powers and their impact on the world’s economies. The USA has for decades been accused of destroying markets through sanctions, speculation, and dollar policy. China is criticized for its “debt trap” and taking over strategic sectors. Russia uses energy blackmail, while the EU – according to its critics – imposes regulations that make markets dependent on its standards. Israel is often seen as a player lobbying in the technology and defense sectors, and India – for its expansion in IT and services. Who is really the “economic destroyer”?

14/08/2025

Ban on Combustion Cars vs. Development of Gas Stations

How do you assess the ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars in the European Union from 2035, considering that gas station networks are still expanding rapidly?

The planned ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars in the EU from 2035 is sparking heated debates – supporters call it a historic step toward climate neutrality, while opponents see it as a technocratic experiment detached from reality. Meanwhile, gas station networks, instead of winding down operations, are investing in expansion, which for many is a sign that oil and gasoline will not disappear overnight. Critics point to the still sluggish pace of charging infrastructure development, as well as problems with battery recycling and lifespan. Conspiracy theories claim the ban is a tool to control mobility, with the elite having their own loopholes. Will 2035 mark a green revolution or just another political illusion?

13/08/2025

Speed limiters in new cars

Do you think manufacturers should be required to install factory-fitted limiters in new cars that prevent exceeding the legal speed limit?

A factory-installed speed limiter in new cars is an idea that divides drivers and experts. Supporters speak of saving thousands of lives, reducing accidents, and disciplining reckless drivers. Opponents see it as another step toward total control over citizens and taking away their right to make their own decisions – even in emergencies. There’s also the financial aspect: would states give up billions in speeding fine revenue? Or is this the beginning of cars that decide where and how you drive?

10/08/2025

Mandatory work for prisoners

Do you think prisoners should be required to work while serving their sentence?

Is prisoner labor a path to rehabilitation or a legal form of cheap slavery? Supporters speak of rehabilitation and repaying the costs of imprisonment. Critics remind us that forced labor in confinement can be a form of repression rather than repair. Many point out that the state is eager to use free labor, hiding it under the slogan of “re-education.” Is mandatory work behind bars a fair solution or a return to camp-like methods?

10/08/2025

Organ sales

Do you think voluntary organ sales should be legal?

The trade in organs is a topic that evokes both hope and fear. On the one hand, supporters of legalizing voluntary sales emphasize a person’s right to decide about their own body and the possibility of reducing the dramatic shortage of life-saving organs. On the other hand, opponents warn of the inevitable growth of the black market, exploitation of the poor, and the degradation of human life’s value to that of a commodity. In the background are questions about the limits of individual freedom, the moral consequences of the body’s commercialization, and the risk of creating “biologically privileged” castes. Is opening the organ market a lifeline for the sick or a gateway to dystopia?

09/08/2025

Tag: public finance