Deltaria

[Rogue]

Tsargrad - Its been several weeks since the new Lazarescu government took office. A government of purely SRS ministers supported by the Social Liberals with only one goal in mind: a new beginning. Lazarescu made it clear during his campaign that Deltaria is not just a conservative country rooted in traditions, but also a social country that needed its social fabric to be restored. Two years of intense neo-liberal policies, reforms that broke down social security and got lower income Deltarians in trouble propelled Lazarescu to power, but also gave him a responsibility to rebuild what had been lost. A intense dillema, as Lazarescu is forced to balance between rebuilding Deltaria's social institutions while at the same time keeping the strong economy stable. 

With this challenge in mind, the Prime Minister presented his plan for "Social Security 2.0" last night during a specially convened press conference. With his Imperial Treasurer Antonio Jakšić on his right and Minister of Social Affairs Balázs Nóra on his left, he presented a bold plan that would mean a significant change in approaching social security. Under the 300 page document, which is meant as a source document for ministries and lawmakers to work with, Deltaria would no longer focus on specific programs for specific issues but instead work towards a integral "root cause" solution to many social issues. Suprisingly, the plan would further abolish the few social securities still in place, allowing the government to "start from scratch." The most ambitious plan is most likely the plan for a universial basic income. At its core the universal base income, modest but guaranteed, is designed to keep everyone above the poverty line and get rid of unnecessary bureaucratic programs. "Cutting out the middle man" is what Lazarescu called the idea. With the UBI in place, Deltarians could be given the help needed to succeed and no longer fall into the bureaucratic trap that was an issue in the past. 

While a UBI is the most significant step, additional support is likely needed for the most vulnerable. Under Social Security 2.0, the government makes available clear and concise subsidies for Housing, Childcare, Education or retraining and Healthcare and disability support. Instead of static programs that are made to serve everyone equally, these subsidies would be personalized, changing with people's personal conditions and life's. People do no longer need to apply for these subsidies as the government would simply assign them to citizens based on their annual tax returns. A subsidy also doesnt automatically dissapear when a person starts earning more, instead simply being gradually fased out as income grows and, in case income gets a hit again, it may also automatically increase again. 

Essential for this subsidy system to work is trust. Minister Nóra was clear: Deltarians need to trust their government again. The only way to achieve this is by giving them the government's trust. No longer will sanctions be placed on people that do not look for a job or have received the subsidies for a extended period of time. Instead, under Social Security 2.0, those receiving the subsidies would be encouraged to gradually improve, with the "dynamic" system following their individual life paths. 

Honestly, we see it as a new social contract with the people. We ensure that all may receive a basic income to meet their basic needs, to give them support when they need it according to the data. We dont expect anything in return, instead it will be the governments responsibility to provide enough opportunity and development so that moving away from state support becomes both lucrative and rewarding

Said Prime Minister Lazarescu. To that end, Social Security 2.0 also commits his government to lowering income taxes, improving the job market, stimulate the business climate and provide opportunity for new sectors to grow. In this way, it isnt just a agenda to rebuild social security but a broader agenda meant to rethink social and economic policy in Deltaria. KDU parliamentary leader and temporary party leader Ivan Nuskern condemned the policy platform outright, calling it "a blatant handout." Business leaders throughout the country are also sceptical, fearing a worsening business climate if these costly plans are enacted. 

Imperial Treasurer Jakšić announced that if fully implemented, Social Security 2.0 would cost the state a initial 100 billion to implement, with estimates on annual costs hovering between 120 billion to 180 billion. But, as the Treasurer pointed out, that investment also repays itself in trust and social reformation. The Treasury estimates that Deltarians would be more productive, more inclined to pay taxes and adhere to state regulations as well as more secure to invest into the economy if given the level of social support suggested in the Social Security 2.0 initiative. This would amount to billions in additional economic value, somewhat softening the steep price for government plans. 

Prime Minister Lazarescu seeks to implement his program in several stages, with different laws to introduce different aspects of the plan. After questions from reporters, he did acknowledge that under him the government will no longer run a surplus and will likely take on more debt, but responded in his signature energetic tone:

When you have to clean up a mess like we do and rebuild your broken down house, you dont do it without investing in tools and materials to make it happen and make it last. With our plans, we are investing in the future of Deltaria, and that is worth a initial sacrifice in profits and returns. We put our people above our reserves after two years of neglect and pain.