The welfare state, in its different versions, has been celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of the labor movement in Western Europe. And it’s no surprise: the welfare state represented great progress in people’s general living and working conditions. Health, life expectancy, and social security developed enormously in a relatively short period as the welfare state emerged during the twentieth century.

Over the last few decades, however, welfare institutions and services have come under increased pressure. The question now is whether the welfare state will survive the present right-wing political project — the neoliberal offensive. Here views differ considerably, within as well as outside the labor movement. Some argue that the main institutions of the welfare state are intact, and the deregulations and adjustments that have been carried out since about 1980 have basically been necessary in order to equip the welfare state for a new age.

Others, including myself, hold the view that the welfare state has been put under immense pressure and attacks from strong economic and political forces. Important political regulatory measures have been dismantled, public pensions have been weakened, access to public welfare institutions has been narrowed, universal schemes have been replaced by means-testing, user contributions have increased in size and scope, and private economic interests have invaded key areas. In other words, the welfare state’s very existence is under threat.