Balancing the books, but neglecting the people

The problems facing Ireland and Spain are similar. Government solutions in both nations are failing, says Ignacio Saiz

FAMILIES struggling to deal with a property boom that collapsed. Rising inequality and unemployment. Public services being cut. Austerity measures failing to stimulate the economy and undermining fundamental human rights.

The problems facing Spain and Ireland are similar. The solution chosen by both governments to deal with the deficit created by the economic crisis — austerity and cut backs to social spending — are failing on two levels. They are striking hardest at the most vulnerable and deepening social inequalities. And they are not stimulating the economy.