The money we spend on the elderly is absolutely unsustainable - welfare and healthcare.

The taxes in Europe are insane - huge social security taxes (before you even get your paycheque) and sales taxes.

Yes, healthcare and education is paid for. But if you are middle-class, the extra taxes you will pay in Europe will far outweigh the gains your receive from that (compared to America - where you pay less in taxes, but have to pay for your own college education and healthcare).

Its unsurprising that Europeans have such low birthrates. The cost of living is mostly the same as the US, but the salaries are much lower/taxes are much higher.

This whole system needs to be unwound, and more money put into the hands of workers. If it means people no longer get a state pension, then so be it.