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40% of Swedes report improved finances: poll

Published: 19 Jul 10 09:01 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/27864/20100719/

Four out of ten Swedes believe that their wallets have fattened over the last four years, a TV4/Novus poll reveals.

Stockholmers believe their finances have improved the most, while many Norrbotten residents think theirs has worsened, according to the survey.

According to the poll, which was commissioned by TV4 and undertaken by Novus, 44 percent of Swedes reported that their financial situation has improved over the last four years, while 27 percent said that the economy has worsened under the centre-right government.

The improved financial circumstances have also led many to believe that life has become easier. Forty-three percent responded that they believe that their quality of life has improved. However, one-fifth reported that their quality of life has declined, while a third think that it is unchanged.

There are large regional differences according to the survey. Those who have benefited the most from government policies live in Stockholm. Nearly half the capital's inhabitants reported an improvement in their finances in recent years, the highest rate in the country. In contrast, in Luleå, 40 percent reported that their finances worsened.

"Everything is possible, both when one has a job or does not have a job and when one is sick," Luleå's Jessica Rognäs told TV4. "I think it has gotten a lot worse."

TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)

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10:39 July 19, 2010 by Great Scott
It's clear that this means government change, as the majority are not happy. It also seems that only people in Stockholm are better off, while the rest are left out. This is typical of conservative governments, look after the few and try and convince the rest that they are better off. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time.
11:00 July 19, 2010 by the fonz
So the economy is in good shape compared to most of the G20 and people in general are better-off.

I'm not generally a conservative but I can appreciate what this government has done, credit where it's due. I think they certainly deserve another term where we will undoubtedly see more people benefit.
11:24 July 19, 2010 by Jan M
Strange. Stats also show that personal debt levels are higher than ever. It would any take an interest rate rise to deal with the delusional minority.
11:50 July 19, 2010 by Audrian
The lives 40% of Swedes have improved (while it did not for the rest of the population) indicate rising income gap among different social groups. As the gap occurred during recession (falling GDP) rising in income to 40% of the population has not come from growth. It came from the income of those lost.

Conservative governments do not see anything wrong with this!
12:11 July 19, 2010 by crofab
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
12:14 July 19, 2010 by Audrian
Crfab, yes indeed.
12:41 July 19, 2010 by Mike #1986
the fonz I AGREE todays government has done well to keep SWEDEN in good form and IM NO conservative and I have benefited alot from the new GOVERNMENT .. keep up the good work Reinfelt.
13:52 July 19, 2010 by Brtahan
Life is much worse , i live in the north, and its very hard to find a job, so the rich gets richer and the middle class gets fingered, elections are coming lets see what happens!!! these reports are rubish just remember they ask like 1000ppl not whole sweden.
14:20 July 19, 2010 by Great Scott
For those of you that want the government to have another term, in four years that 40% will be half, you have been warned.
18:29 July 19, 2010 by Mike #1986
if life is worse in the North maybe it's time for you to move south changing government aint going to make life better in Nordland only you can make changes for the better in life..

the government only allows us to make it easier to achieve those standards.
03:43 July 20, 2010 by waffen
Sweden umulating the United States.

New World Order:queen bees, worker bees, drones.
07:35 July 20, 2010 by summo
waffen, at the onset of winter many be colony workers, boot the drones out of the hive!!
09:25 July 20, 2010 by americanska
national GDP may be down. but a lot of government speading....WASTE! has been eliminated by the conservative government. the great thing is it is Sweden so there is a lot more room for cutting taxes and spending.... increasing wealth even more.

maybe that would help the immigration problem. not sure why nemisis and the other liberals just don't get it.

god forbid people are productive first, then keep some of the money they've earned.
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