RantCrush Top 5: January 4, 2017

Finland is the first European country to implement a so-called citizen salary, or “basic income.” This program will start out as an experiment, with the state paying randomly selected unemployed citizens a base pay every month in order to fight poverty and encourage more people to join the workforce. Why? Well, many unemployed Finns are picky when it comes to accepting jobs, because they don’t want to lose their generous welfare benefits and get saddled with a job that pays poorly or is a short-term position.

Finland is ready to give 2,000 people free money until 2019: https://t.co/YvmlEyPp18 pic.twitter.com/dgyxu2iLKq

— Complex (@Complex) January 4, 2017

With the new system, selected citizens would get paid 560 euros a month, about $580, when unemployed, but still receive that money even if they got a job. They would lose their unemployment benefits but start getting income-based benefits instead, like housing or childcare, which all employed citizens already have. Maybe it’s time to check out Finland?

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Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.