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INPRIMATU
Progressive capitalism
  • Since the last meeting that the elite of world capitalism held last January in Davos, Switzerland, we have detected an ideological and media offensive with more “social” arguments to defend and protect this economic system.
Juan Mari Arregi 2020ko abenduaren 16a

It was clearly one of the unrecognised decisions of that summit. This offensive wants to introduce us to the idea that capitalism, besides being the best economic and very savage system for many sectors of society, has a human face and, although it gives dividends to its shareholders, cares about social welfare.

In this context, the president of the Arizmendiarrieta Foundation arising from the roots of the Mondragon Group, Juan Manuel Sinde, is progressive capitalism possible? (Is progressive capitalism possible?) He has published the article in various media. Sinde highlights a quote from the founder of the Basque cooperatives José María Arizmendiarreta: “Ideas separate us, needs unite us” and conclude that “it is also in our hands to build a progressive capitalism that, in addition to economic progress, also deals with the well-being of people and seeks pragmatism based on moral values.”

No, you cannot build progressive capitalism. It is a contradiction, from your own words. This “progressive capitalism” would not fail to be philanthropic and limosna-loving: it seeks to offer workers fears, crumbs or miserable wage improvements. Capitalism, which is a savage structural and generates inequality, will always seek to socialize losses and privatize profits at the lowest cost. We see it with the pandemic. He doesn't understand moral values, he just hears the value of his stock market business.