【环时深度】公共债务高企，“欧式福利主义的太阳正在落山”？

Group 1 - The article highlights the unsustainability of Europe's welfare systems, particularly in France, where rising public debt and political instability are raising concerns about the future of welfare for younger generations [1][2][3] - Germany's public debt is projected to reach approximately €2.51 trillion by the end of 2024, which is about 60% of its GDP, with predictions that this ratio could rise to 74% by 2030 [2] - Several European countries, including France, Italy, and Greece, have public debt exceeding their annual economic output, indicating a broader financial crisis looming over the region [3] Group 2 - Belgium's Prime Minister warned that the economic foundation supporting welfare systems is no longer sustainable, echoing concerns raised by other European leaders about the viability of welfare programs [4] - The article discusses the historical context of Europe's welfare systems, which emerged post-World War II, and how they are now perceived as a burden on economic competitiveness [5] - The UK faces a similar situation, with a significant portion of its population relying on welfare, leading to increased government spending and economic stagnation [6] Group 3 - Various European nations are proposing welfare reforms, such as the UK raising eligibility thresholds for benefits to encourage workforce participation, and Germany focusing on stricter penalties for those refusing work [7] - The European Commission is considering tax increases on large corporations to fund welfare programs, although this proposal faces opposition from several member states [8] - Resistance to welfare cuts is strong, with political parties and social organizations advocating for increased taxation on the wealthy instead of reducing public spending [10][11]