Free basic services

The Socialist Party's message in the parliamentary elections on September 25, 2021: Fourteenth offer to voters presented on September 18:FREE BASIC SERVICES

In addition to improved wages, the development of a welfare system financed by fair taxation was the main demand of the socialist labor movement in the last century. Free healthcare, education for all, a social housing system, and equal access to public services are prerequisites for equality. If only wages had been improved, those who want to profit from people's distress, illness, and basic needs would have managed to siphon off all the benefits of wage increases from workers.

This has been the reality in recent decades under neoliberalism. The proceeds from wage increases have flowed into increased tax burdens on the public, rising housing costs, and increased fees for public services that were previously free.

The Sósíalistaflokkurinn wants to change this, restore it to its former state, and further develop it towards free basic services.

The demand of the socialist labor struggle was that state power should be used to build a strong and just society guided by equality and solidarity. The tools are fair taxation where people pay into the system according to their ability and capacity, and a universal welfare system where everyone receives payments according to their needs.

Income-related benefits, reductions, and service fees should be abolished. There, everyone is equal. Measures for equalization should be applied on the income side, so that those who own the most and are most able to contribute pay more taxes, while those who are not able to contribute pay no taxes.

The Sósíalistaflokkurinn's offer to voters is that the following services will be free and unconditional.

1. HealthcareConsultation fees and other charges will be abolished, and medicines fully subsidized. Healthcare includes both physical and mental health. Dentistry and orthodontics, ophthalmology, psychological services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as speech therapy services, alcohol and drug treatments, in addition to counseling and support for people who have experienced violence and other traumas, will all be free of charge.

2. EducationEducation at all school levels will be free of charge. Primary and secondary schools will offer free meals for students, and children's and youth's leisure activities will be free and accessible in or near schools. Instead of student loans for higher education, a grant system will be introduced to enable students to pursue their studies without incurring lifelong debt.

3. TransportPublic transport such as buses, city line, and transport services for disabled people will be free of charge. Road tolls will not be collected on national roads.

4. CultureAccess to public museums will be free of charge. Libraries, cultural institutions, and public parks will be strengthened as open spaces where everyone can gather regardless of economic status.

5. AdministrationPublic institutions such as district commissioners will not charge fees for their services, and the right to legal aid will be increased, in addition to enhancing access to free legal assistance for those who need to assert their rights against the public sector and other institutions and companies.