Portugal far from reaching the welfare economy – Observer
Portugal is far from achieving a welfare economyaccording to an assessment by the environmentalist association Zero, which indicates that there is “still much to be done” in combating inequalities, changing the economic model or efficient use of resources.
The analysis is part of the “1st assessment on the economy of well-being in Portugal” that the association presented on this day, based on the analysis of indicators on eight axes considered strategic: organization of society, education and training; economy; job; health; energy, buildings and mobility; natural resources and territory and financial instruments.
Portugal’s performance was compared with the European Union average or the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, depending on the source of the indicators.
“Overall, we can say that Portugal’s performance leaves much to be desired in all strategic axes, where there’s still so much to dowhether in the component of combating multiple inequalities — income, gender, access to information, education, health and quality of life — or in encouraging a different economic model, where other forms of economy – local, , participatory , inclusive – are enhanced”, summarizes the association in a statement.
In terms of efficiency and circularity in the use of resources, Portugal is “far below average” of the European Union, leaving the economy more exposed to the volatility of international markets. And, adds Zero, despite the good performance in renewable energies there is still “a very strong energy dependence from abroad (65.2%)”.
The association considers that the European Ecological Deal, to make the European Union economy sustainable, is “an opportunity that can and should be seized” to transform the current model of economic and social development “into an Economy of Welfare”.
Unlike the current economic model, of continuous growth, the Economy of Well-Being seeks to respond to people’s fundamental needs and priorities, and is based on five needs, one of which is authority, in which everyone has what is necessary to live comfortably, safely and happiness.
It is also based on nature, with a healthy planet, on the promotion of the common good, on justice and on citizen participation in decisions, also explains the environmentalist association.
It is intended that Portugal postpone the partnership of Governments for an Economy of Welfare, which already includes countries such as Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Finland, Iceland and New Zealand.