u/SecureCoop

It's frustrating that the Nordic states are considered a Social Democracy, which sounds so much like Democratic Socialism that they often get confused. But they're very different. They have market-driven prices (free-market capitalism), private property ownership, global free trade, no minimum wage, school choice, low corporate tax rates, relaxed regulations around hiring and firing, private sectors for energy, tech, and banking.

But they use aggressive VAT for upper and high-middle class. Healthcare, higher education, and childcare are removed from the free market. LOTS of government employees. Robust safety nets such as long paid parental leaves and extensive unemployment cushions. So they have some things in common with what socialists want.

I think I could tolerate living in the Nordic states, the high taxes being the only onerous thing. But for true-blooded socialists, that isn’t enough. They want to go beyond the Nordic model into full socialism, which has no good examples that I can think of.

If you want the Nordic model, don’t press for more. Leave capitalism alone and push for more welfare. Do what they do and don’t mess with success.