We consider it be a neoliberal idea that the state or municipalities should not own anything. Certain safer business ideas can, as public companies, contribute to providing for welfare, without taxes having to be raised. Needs that we can foresee we can sometimes more easily solve through public ownership than privately. In some industries, the market does not function optimally, then the state can step in as a responsible owner. An example of this is the state mortgage institution SBAB. SBAB was founded to provide loans for private individuals' house purchases on reasonable terms.
Certain activities that the people demand
Companies that operate activities which the people demand but which may be harmful to public health should be owned by the state, mainly or as a supplement. For example, Systembolaget's goal is not to sell as much as possible, but to sell in responsible ways. State wine and spirits were sold in 2008 under the alliance regime. Now the brilliant sales of Absolut Vodka go to private profits instead of to Swedish welfare. In other cases, the companies can contribute with increased responsibility and that the profits not only go to private profit accumulation but also compensate for the damage they cause. Swedish games can serve as an example of that.
Industries similar to natural resources
In industries such as sometimes reminiscent of public natural resources, the state can run companies with great advantage. A state-owned construction company could drive down the prices for the production of rental properties and indirectly make the bubble-like price development of private housing more sustainable. Won't there be unhealthy competition then? The market does not always work optimally. Hence the lack of housing and the very high rent levels. It is in the market's interest not to cover the need for housing because that would reduce profits too much. read more heremore here!
The limits of the private
It is difficult to draw a clear line for what we should own in common, but forests, water, management of rental housing and other basic goods can also be in public ownership. Public companies can contribute financially to welfare. Today's news reports that the profits for the state-owned companies in 2014 totaled SEK 16,4 billion. The municipal companies also generate profit. It is Gothenburg's municipal multi-family residential building i.a. a clear example of.
Who will own the banks?
Another branch where the state could be a good owner is banking in order to strongly curb the inordinate appetite for risk in this sector which cannot bear its own losses. In addition, it means too much private power for a few if these are to become richer on the loan needs of low- and middle-income earners. Read more heremore here!
Clearly, we distance ourselves from the right-wing idea that the state should not own anything at all. The goal of society must be the public good and not private profits.