Auto Industry Struggles Against Foreign Imports
« Back to Issues
The Issue
Cheap, foreign-made cars are becoming increasingly popular, causing concern in Esperantista's automobile manufacturing industry.
The Debate
"Unless this government does something, Esperantista won't have an auto industry for much longer," says auto industry union boss Alexei Wu, in a rare public appearance alongside management. "These foreign companies employ people for a few Stelas a day. The only way to level the playing field is to raise tariffs. The government would make more money, too, so it's win-win."
"For once, I agree with my grubby colleague here," says General Chassis CEO Peggy Longbottom. "Although I have to say, tariffs aren't the only answer. A more effective solution would be to abolish minimum wage laws. Now that would level the playing field. And we'd be able to employ more--argh, let go of my throat!"
"I think we need to face facts," says noted economist and chat-show regular Hope Longfellow. "We live in a global economy now, and automobile manufacturing just isn't Esperantista's strong suit. There's no point taking money from taxpayers in order to line the pockets of a few greedy workers and corrupt managers in a doomed industry. Let the market takes its--argh, let go of my throat!"
(...) Misschien worden jullie[Nederlanders] wel de economische vluchtelingen aan de grens met de afsluitdijk tussen Nederland en Fryslan.
-Linkse Boomknuffelaar