HAVING lived in Sweden for most of my life - even if I now live in Worcestershire - I must strongly object to the fact that you include Sweden among those European countries with the highest standard of living.
The main reason is that the Swedes pay Europe's highest taxes. An average taxpayer working full-time works three-and-a-half days a week only to pay his taxes and the remaining one-and-a-half day from his own wallet.
Out of Sweden's 350 cities and towns, fewer than 20 have more people working in the private than in the public sector.
Several of Sweden's major corporations have chosen to move whole or part of their H Q abroad, like ABB, Ericsson, Stora and Astra. Unfortunately, you can't live mainly from clean air and fresh water.
Sweden has fallen on OECD's list of countries with the highest standard of living from number three to number 17 in less than 20 years.
If this isn't enough to convince you, you are probably not open for relevant arguments.
RENE LOESAUS,
Malvern.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article