Comment by sturmbraut
2 years ago
I read about Mondragon in Pickety's works. That's why I went to Mondragon. I was deeply disappointed, the city and the surroundings look very sad. It reminded me a lot of the former DDR (german "democratic" republic which was under russian control).
Basque people have a distinct culture. You can often figure out someone comes from there just based on their hairstyle, way of dressing or attitude. They will usually favor practicality and durability over style.
You may think it is sad, they may just think it is the way it should be done and that's it. I don't think you can judge the coop concept based on the impression you got from the city. Its inhabitants may on average feel happier than those where you live.
Mondragón is where it started, to raise the standard for disadvantaged workers.
But lots of employees live and work in much nicer spots like the San Sebastián area.
Many engineering and hardware companies all around the Basque Country are owned by Mondragón.
It's located in Spain, a country not known for its vast wealth. Plus, it's in a special administrative region in Spain, the Basque Country. They enjoy subsidies and favorable treatment from the regional government.
Basque country is one of the richest regions in Spain, which is already a highly developed country. Not sure what you are talking about.
I'm from Spain, so I'm quite sure of what I'm talking about. Spain might be a highly developed country, but its gdp per capita is not too high compared to the likes of Germany, UK, France, Denmark, US, et al.
Basque country is, again, rich because it has an special tax treatment and could be considered a tax heaven to some extent.
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> a country not known for its vast wealth
Its looting of the gold and silver from S. America apparently didn't help.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_disease
They brought so much to Europe that they crashed the market.
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Are you saying that Mondragon is a failure because you found the local architecture disappointing?