Simon Elo, the chairperson of the Blue Reform Parliamentary Group, stated on Tuesday that Finnish citizens should be eligible for higher social security benefits than non-citizens because they are principally the ones contributing to the tax base of Finland.

Finland should transition from a residence-based to a citizenship-based social security system, according to the Blue Reform.

He explained in a press release that shifting away from a residence-based towards a citizenship-based social security system would enable the country to guarantee a high level of social security also in the future.

“A citizenship-based social security system would enable us to pay higher social security benefits to Finnish citizens. It is unfair that a person who has just been granted a residence permit is eligible for the same social security than a person who has paid taxes in Finland for years,” argued Elo.

He added that it is likely not a coincidence that countries with a high level of social security are the destination for most of the immigrants entering Europe.

“It should therefore be possible to tailor social security benefits for immigrants who are still integrating into the society,” he said.

The Blue Reform estimates that its proposal would necessitate amendments to the Finnish constitution, which states that everyone who is unable to secure the means necessary for an adequate standard of living has the right to receive indispensable subsistence and care. It also states that public authorities must guarantee adequate social, health and medical services to everyone and promote the health of the population at large.

Aleksi Teivainen – HT

Photo: Vesa Moilanen – Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi