Now we discuss housing issues and public funds

Socialist policy groups invite to an open discussion about housing issues and issues of common funds this weekend. The discussions will take place in Rúgbrauðsgerðin, Borgartún 6, and start at ten in the morning, Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, September 2nd, housing issues will be discussed. Why is there a housing shortage today? How does Icelandic housing policy differ from the housing policies of neighboring countries? What is the situation of tenants today and how could it be improved? What impact do housing issues have on the living standards of specific groups? Is it normal for large corporations to profit from the housing problems of poor people? Why were workers' housing units abolished? Is it possible to build a welfare system on top of a volatile housing system? What protection do homebuyers enjoy against financial companies?

These and many more questions will be raised. Among the experts participating in the discussion and contributing their observations are Jón Rúnar Sveinsson, a housing expert, who traces the history of the Icelandic housing system, Henný Hinz, an economist at ASÍ, who discusses the impact of housing issues on the living standards of specific groups, Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir and Vilhjámur Bjarnason from Hagsmunasamtök heimilanna, who discuss the situation of debtors vis-à-vis financial institutions, Hólmsteinn A. Brekka from Samtök leigjenda, who discusses the situation of tenants and Laufey Ólafsdóttir from the association of single parents, who discusses her experience with the housing market. Attendees will share their experiences with the housing system and how it performs in providing affordable and secure housing to the public.

See Facebook event about Discussion on Housing Issues:https://www.facebook.com/events/1608999059171946/

On Sunday, September 3rd, there will be a discussion about common funds. Should incomes be equalized through the tax system? Is it possible to destroy society by being too generous to those who are worst off? Does the Icelandic pension fund system protect the interests of people with middle and low incomes? Should part of the banking system be defined as a public utility system?

These questions and many more will be raised. Among those contributing to the discussion are Ólafur Margeirsson, an economist who discusses the state treasury and the pension fund system, Ásgeir Brynjar Torfason, a lecturer who discusses general funds and the flow of money through society, Indriði H. Þorláksson, former Director of Internal Revenue, who discusses changes to the tax system in recent years, Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, chairman of VR, who discusses pension funds and the involvement of the labor movement with them, Vilhelm Wessmann, a pensioner who discusses the disappointment of the elderly with the pension fund system and cuts to Social Security. Other attendees will share their experiences with public funds, the state treasury, municipal funds, pension funds, etc.

See Facebook event about Discussion on Common Funds:https://www.facebook.com/events/125727581401926/

The discussions start at ten in the morning and last until after noon. At noon, soup and bread will be offered for a small fee. All socialists and other interested parties in social issues are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussion. These discussions are part of the policy work of Sósíalistaflokkurinn and a step towards building a policy that will lead to radical changes in society. Last weekend, a discussion was held on democracy and health issues, but now it's time for housing issues and public funds.