a socialist or a market state? John Hassler Göran Persson, prime-minister, quoted in the IMF report The Swedish Welfare State, Can the Bumblebee Keep Flying?, IMF 2004 The Swedish welfare state • The Swedish government collects more tax revenue than almost any other country in the world. • The large expansion came in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. • Came a bit later in other countries. • Has been clear convergence -- in EU.
