Moving beyond the pandemic
Covid dominated the headlines in 2021, other policy areas received less attention than deserved. So, what will 2022 bring? [...]
2021
Do politicians need economics degrees?
Perhaps high office holders do not need a higher education, let alone an economics degree. But they should at least know, and respect, the limits of their power. [...]
Social insurance lessons from Germany
Would we really like to end up with an arrangement that puts a massive wedge between people’s gross and net incomes? A system, by the way, that also harms employment outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable? [...]
Unemployment insurance is anti-social
Were the innocently titled ‘social unemployment insurance’ better understood, the project would be gone by lunchtime. [...]
A magic dwells in every platitude
The best thing about the German coalition document is that it shows the three parties are able to work together. Though not magical, it is a good start. [...]
Reading with the light switched on
We do not want to return to Jane Austen’s times when class and background determined a child’s success in education and life. [...]
Wanted: A long-term vision for New Zealand
If this Government has a long-term vision, it keeps it to itself. But whatever it is, Kiwis deserve to know it – and to figure out if they like where the Government wants to lead them. [...]
Cynically exploiting EU’s divisions
After simmering for many months, the Belarusian-organised refugee crisis is heating up in the Eastern European cold. [...]
The end of the Bundesbank era
With Jens Weidmann’s imminent departure, the ECB will lose its most hawkish governor. The move will also symbolise the ECB’s transition into a less stability-oriented institution – right when high inflation expectations in Europe are taking hold. [...]
Bipartisan progress on housing
Sometimes, when the Legislature is in session, good policy may indeed be the outcome. [...]