Latest news with #publicsentiment
Independent Singapore
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Is Singapore really too expensive? A closer look at the debate behind the complaints
SINGAPORE: With the city-state's recent elections, online media is bursting with feisty debates, mostly around one prickly issue — the cost of living. Among the many voices, one Redditor crossed the noise with a piercing question: 'People who are complaining that Singapore is too expensive to live in—mind sharing your financial position and why you hold such strong views?' It wasn't meant as an attack but a challenge to the mounting upsurge of frustration online. The poster admitted the escalating costs—food, housing, and everyday overheads—but also added that this situation isn't limited to Singapore. Nonetheless, what hit them most was the tenor of the discussion. 'I see a lot of rage online about the election results, people saying Singaporeans deserve the government they vote for, etc.,' the post continued. 'If you're earning S$10k a month, using CPF (Central Provident Fund) to pay off your HDB (Housing & Development Board) but are upset you can't upgrade to a condo or travel like you used to—I can't empathize as much.' That triggered an outbreak of responses, exposing a polarised public sentiment. Some commenters claimed that Singaporeans relish making complaints, even when they're comparatively prosperous. 'Nah. Singaporeans just love to complain in general… They drive their Tesla or Mercedes, then complain that a bowl of noodles is S$6,' one user stated ironically. 'Yet they have no qualms feeding their high-SES lifestyle.' What this user is saying is that most of the grievances come from those who are not really economically stressed or struggling to survive but are upset by their failure to sustain what they have or to elevate to a more comfortable lifestyle. However, others disagreed with the idea that it's all pure grumbling. Among the most reverberating points was articulated by a user who clarified that while Singapore may not be unbearable to survive in, it has become excessively expensive to enjoy. 'SG isn't expensive to survive in, but SG is expensive if you want to enjoy having nice things,' the user wrote. 'I don't even mean luxury goods—just things like convenience, aesthetics, and comfort. A cozy café to read a book and sip coffee? That'll cost you quite a bit.' The problem, the user claimed, lies in Singapore's lack of space and the commercialisation of every available nook. On the contrary, the same user noted going overseas shows just how reachable comfort and quality of life can be somewhere else for a lesser amount of money. Another reaction focused on expectations. According to this netizen's view, many Singaporeans are rushing to a standard of living that they may no longer be able to pay for. 'A big chunk of this demographic doesn't live within their means,' a user weighed in. 'They expect lifestyles that now align more with the upper middle class. But for every couple that doesn't get a BTO (build to order), there's one that did—and they're laughing all the way to the bank.' Other voices talked about the bigger picture. One commenter recognised Singapore's extraordinary economic advancement but doubted its significance to the ordinary citizen's everyday existence. 'Yes, the country's economy is thriving, but what's the point of a thriving country when its people can't enjoy any of it?' the commenter asked. 'Are we building this country to impress the world or to serve the people who live here?' All of this discussion ties in with politics, and many found the chance to echo the election results. Many voiced discontent with the present circumstances, but others contended that Singaporeans are calling for better change and not just any kind of change. See also SingFirst's reply to CNA on PM Lee's speech 'The fact that PAP is still being voted in, including in younger GRCs, says a lot,' one experienced voter said. 'People want quality change. Not emotional speeches or promises of free vouchers. Real policies. Real solutions.' The netizen named candidates like Jeremy Tan as illustrations of the kind of grounded, policy-driven direction that reverberates. 'He focused on the specifics. I would've voted for him if I was in Mountbatten,' the commenter added. So, is Singapore too expensive? That hinges on what you're trying to measure – comfort, aspiration, or survival. What's clear is that Singapore's affluence and accomplishment do not touch everyone and that the path forward, economically and politically, will demand more than just GDP growth or sleek global standings. It will necessitate confidence, distinction, and leaders prepared to pay attention and listen beyond the noise.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Current events in Florida: From Middle East tensions to local immigration issues
Recent developments regarding the conflict between Iran and Israel, the impact on Florida, ongoing immigration discussions, and the state budget delays highlight the emotions and sentiments of the public.
CTV News
15-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Permanent paid parking recommended for Spanish Banks Beach
A group of men play volleyball at Spanish Banks Beach in Vancouver B.C., on Monday, May 20, 2013. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS) A recommendation to make paid parking at Vancouver's popular Spanish Banks Beach permanent – with a 'marginal increase' in price – is coming to the Vancouver Park Board Monday. The board launched a pilot program last year, charging $1 per hour to those parking in 744 stalls at the popular destination. A report from staff says it has generated an estimated $168,000 in revenue in 10 months – surpassing the board's initial estimate of $121,000 over 12 months. 'These revenue figures suggest that paid parking has not been a deterrent to parking lot use, while significantly improving capacity for funding service improvements,' the report says. Before the pilot, the beach was the only one in the city with free parking. The pilot prompted a petition opposing the move that gathered around 8,500 signatures. 'No paid parking implementation project is without some level of negative public sentiment. The Spanish Banks Beach pilot was not an exception,' the report says, noting that there were some 'minor incidents of vandalism and service interruption' when the program began. The latest proposal, if approved, would see the fee increase to $1.50 per hour year-round, a rate the report says reflects inflation and matches the city's minimum rates for on-street parking. 'Free parking is increasingly rare in Vancouver – the city is densifying, demand for parking is increasing, and operating costs are impacted by inflation. Parking comes at a cost for municipalities, who subsidize free parking at the expense of core service delivery for all residents and visitors, whether they drive or not,' the report says. 'Establishing reasonable fees for the individual use of parking spaces connects the cost of that service to the user that directly benefits while providing indirect benefits for all residents.' The report says the increased rate will generate and estimated $255,000 in revenue per year. A potential increase to $2 per hour in 2026 would bring in $340,000 per year. The benefits of paid parking cited in the report include collecting money from visitors who don't pay taxes in the city and enabling bylaw officers to enforce rules against overnight parking.
Al Arabiya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Support for Israel in Europe hits record low, YouGov survey finds
Public support and sympathy for Israel in Europe has fallen to its lowest level ever, according to a recent survey by YouGov. The pollster said fewer than a fifth of respondents in six countries hold a favorable view of Israel. The survey was conducted between 12 and 26 May across Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Italy. Sympathizing with the Palestinian side Around 18 to 33 percent sided with the Palestinian side while 7 to 21 percent favored the Israeli side. However, a significant proportion of people chose either to sympathize with both sides equally or said they were unsure, indicating a complex public sentiment and a reluctancy to fully take sides. Understanding the attitude More people reported understanding the attitudes of the Palestinians – even if they did not personally agree with them – than those who said they could not. The difference was most notable in Britain, where 51 percent people said they could understand the Palestinian viewpoint, while 22 percent said they could not. More respondents in France, Germany, Spain and Italy said they could not understand Israel's viewpoint than those who said they could. Around 19 to 48 percent of the people said they understood the Israeli stance. Net favorability towards Israel in Germany (-44), France (-48), and Denmark (-54) was the lowest since the polling began and in Italy (-52) and Spain (-55) was also at its lowest, whereas in the US, it was at -46, slightly higher than its low of -49 in late 2024. Overall, only between 13 percent and 21 percent of respondents in any country polled had a favourable view of Israel, compared with 63-70 percent whose views were unfavourable. Perception on Hamas attack and Israel's response The 2023 Hamas attack on Israel was overwhelmingly regarded as not justified by a majority in every country – around two-thirds to three-quarters. Very few respondents considered it justified. In contrast, Israel's military response in Gaza received more mixed responses. A majority of the respondents in most countries said it was not justified, particularly in Spain and Italy. Between 44-66 percent people viewed Israel's actions in Gaza as not justified whereas only 9-28 percent said they thought it was justified. Most respondents believed Israel was right to send troops into Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks but that the response has gone too far and caused excessive civilian casualties. Fewer believed Israel acted proportionately, and a smaller portion believed Israel was wrong to use force at all. Opinion on lasting peace agreement Asked whether they thought a permanent peace agreement was likely in the next decade, respondents in every country were more likely to say it was unrealistic than realistic. Denmark was the most pessimistic, with two-thirds (67 percent) doubting the feasibility of peace in the near future. The French were the most optimistic that this may happen in the next 10 years, but even then, only 29 percent said they believed it. France is also leading efforts to persuade other European countries, including the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, to recognise Palestinian statehood at a joint UN conference with Saudi Arabia in New York on June 17. A total 147 of 193 UN member states currently recognise the State of Palestine. Spain, Ireland and Norway agreed to recognition last year. Israel's war on Gaza under the mandate of defeating Hamas has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, leaving two million Gazans on the brink of starvation and displaced from their homes. The war began after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,218 people and saw 251 taken as hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
