Opinion
Carmen Lence
CEO of the Leche Río group
December 31, 2023. Updated at 05:00
Soon after the start of the war in Ukraine I had the opportunity to attend a conference held by one of the country’s most prestigious economists. Back then he predicted that the war in Ukraine would be short, that the stock market would rise and that inflation would be under control in less than a year. Considering this man hasn’t lost his job, I think I can dare to be a fortune teller myself.
Me crystal ball show me to 2024 full of contradictions.
Let’s start with the climate: cooling of the economy as opposed to global warming.
In 2024, domestic demand and exports will lose steam, causing the economy to start feeling the chill of inactivity. And this despite the fact that the thermometer will continue to record highs compared to 2023. Which will leave us in parts of the country with water up to our necks due to drought. This way we Galicians will stop complaining about time, which is already starting to seem like a waste to us.
Let’s continue with the work: there will be less supply occupation but we will continue to have difficulty filling vacancies.
Perhaps some think that the lack of job creation is due to the cooling of the economy, too. But another part is due to the fact that small and medium-sized entrepreneurs are starting to get tired of paying employees and then end up doubling shifts. And it is clear that absenteeism from work will not improve. In other words, those who don’t work don’t work, and some of those who work don’t work what they were supposed to work. So creating jobs to end up working more is a job that will be saved.
Let’s continue with the place of life: Even if it is more expensive to live in the city, we will continue to abandon the villages.
While rural areas will continue to present good job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and quality of life, we will continue to decide that it is better to live in a smaller, less quiet, more expensive, and less comfortable home in the city. But yes, on vacation we will continue to escape to the cities to disconnect and finally be able to connect with ourselves.
And we conclude with the society: In the year of the Dragon, symbol, among other things, of harmony, society will be increasingly polarized.
Let’s prepare for a year that begins with the elections in Galicia in an increasingly strident national political climate. We’ll see more than one breathing fire. Anyone who has an opinion risks being one scorched. I recommend purchasing a company fire extinguisher.
But let’s stay calm. In the end, each of us’s year will depend, mainly, on ourselves. Of our attitude towards the challenges and opportunities that arise. So, in this 2024 full of contradictions, let us choose to be consistent and create a bright future together.
¡Happy 2024!
Filed in:Ukraine Inflation Drought Galician elections
2023-12-31 04:01:03
#year #contradictions