Universal income: What is it? Is it a good idea ?

Universal income: What is it? Is it a good idea ?
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Universal income: Is it a good idea?

Universal income would be to pay an amount every month to each citizen, without any conditions. This amount would be cumulative with other income, such as wages.

This idea of ​​universal income is very controversial.

Indeed, for its detractors, it would encourage inactivity and assistantship, because those who decide not to work would benefit from this system without participating directly in its financing.

For his followers, he would promote equality and freedom of citizens, because everyone would receive the same amount and could decide to work to earn more, or not to work what would, for example, develop volunteering.

However, supporters of universal income do not all agree on its implementing rules.
Their 1st point of disagreement concerns the profile of beneficiaries

Some propose to give it without age condition. Thus, citizens would receive it throughout their lives. Others want to give it only to adults, or give a lower amount to young people.
Their 2nd point of disagreement concerns the amount

Some they wish it is not too high, that is to say around 500 euros such as the current RSA, so as not to encourage inactivity. Others want its amount to be higher, that is to say around 1,000 euros, so that citizens have the choice to work or not.
Their 3rd point of disagreement concerns the method of financing

In fact, the higher the amount of universal income, the more funding should be.

As state spending will increase with universal income, some want to compensate for this increase by removing some of the existing aid, such as the RSA, housing aid, unemployment benefits and pension benefits. Others want to finance this increase by increasing income tax, or by creating a new financial transaction tax that would tax stock market sales.
Their 4th point of disagreement concerns the consequences for the labor market

Some believe that the establishment of universal income must be accompanied by the removal of the minimum wage. Thus, employers could less remunerate the low-skilled jobs because they would consider that the state supports some of the wages. For others, universal income should be added to the minimum wage, in order to increase purchasing power.

The idea of ​​establishing a universal income often returns to political debates. In Finland, for example, a basic income of 800 euros per capita could be introduced in 2017.