“High skill, high wage” & state “transition” - a history in six tweets
In 1977 Erich Honecker, still trying to build back better after 30 years, issued a labour code for East Germany.
Rules for a high skill, high wage, low immigration, innovative, centrally planned economy. /1.
In 1977 Erich Honecker, still trying to build back better after 30 years, issued a labour code for East Germany.
Rules for a high skill, high wage, low immigration, innovative, centrally planned economy. /1.
1977 being the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution, Leonid Brezhnev gave a speech.
The USSR & its allies were in transition. The struggling “actually existing socialism” so far achieved was only a step on the way to true communism. A further 60 years would be needed. /2.
The USSR & its allies were in transition. The struggling “actually existing socialism” so far achieved was only a step on the way to true communism. A further 60 years would be needed. /2.
Of course, Honecker & Brezhnev also ran low emigration policies, severely restricting their citizens’ freedom movement.
The “anti-fascist protection wall” was there, they emphasised, to protect patriotic workers against foreigners.
All very confusing. /3.
The “anti-fascist protection wall” was there, they emphasised, to protect patriotic workers against foreigners.
All very confusing. /3.
But we can be grateful their legacy hasn’t been lost.
Over 40 years later the spirit of Erich & Leonid lives on.
In @BorisJohnson, @DavidGHFrost, @RishiSunak, @michaelgove & the rest of the gang. /4.
Over 40 years later the spirit of Erich & Leonid lives on.
In @BorisJohnson, @DavidGHFrost, @RishiSunak, @michaelgove & the rest of the gang. /4.
True heirs to a project its cheerleaders claimed was set radically to transform their countries & lead the world to a better future.
A system “never properly tried” before it descended into oppression, stagnation & collapse. /5.
A system “never properly tried” before it descended into oppression, stagnation & collapse. /5.
The revived project’s new name is unheroic. Drab, even.
The Johnson Brexit.
Oven-ready failure. /6. End
(It really will be. The. End).
The Johnson Brexit.
Oven-ready failure. /6. End
(It really will be. The. End).
Correction to tweet three: “freedom of movement”. Best to be precise…
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