The Finnish Government is interested in the basic income. Prime Minister Juha Sipila has expressed support for the idea, saying, “For me, a basic income means simplifying the social security system.” 4 out of 5 Finns currently support the basic income, but some policy experts have expressed hesitation to endorse the policy. Ohto Kanninen, from Tank Research Centre, said, “What would be the impact of a basic income to employment in Finland – positive or negative? We can’t really foresee how people would behave with a basic income.” Consequently, a pilot is being considered. The project would pay 8,000 people from low income groups four different monthly amounts, possibly ranging from €400 to €700. The Finnish constitution requires every citizen must be equal, which could prevent the project, but this requirement could be waived to gain information for the good of society
For more information on the Finnish basic income project, see:
“Finland considers basic income to reform welfare system” Maija Unkuri, BBC News. August 20, 2015.
