What consequences of a return to “social-democratic capitalism�
There is currently strong pressure from public opinion in OECD countries for a return to “social-democratic capitalismâ€. This form of capitalism, in place from the 1950s to 1970s, was characterised by a fair income distribution between wage earners and company shareholders, a moderate required return on capital and low income inequality. What would be the consequences of a return to “social-democratic capitalism†today? W age incomes would certainly be higher, there would be more consumption and inequality would decline. But there would also be a drastic shock to financial markets and economies after 40 years of “liberal Anglo-Saxon capitalismâ€: Collapse in share prices due to a fall in corporate profitability; Increase in interest rates due to resurgen t inflation; Leading to a serious risk of a debt crisis, as current debt levels only work with the very low level of interest rates under “liberal capitalism†, which are made possible by the absence of inflation.