试论布莱尔的社会保障制度改革

On Blair's reforms of social welfare system

进行社会保障制度的改革是以布莱尔为首的英国工党自１９９７年上台以来,实现“第三条道路”的一个重要目标。纵观布莱尔在改革失业保险体系、养老保险体系、医疗制度、恢复实行最低工资制度等方面采取的措施,虽然比较谨慎,但是打开了新的思路,提供了新的途径,取得了显著效果,成为布莱尔在２００１年再次赢得大选的重要因素。但面对积累了半个多世纪的福利国家制度,布莱尔的改革也难以很快有根本性的突破。

The reform on social welfare system has been one of the important goals in the realization of 'Third Way' since the accession of the British Labor Party. Observing the measures taken by Blair in the reforms on unemployment insurance system, old - age insurance system, medical system and the restoration of the lowest payment standard, his reforms are relatively careful, but blaze a new trail, offer a new approach and attain striking effects, which become the important factors which might lead to his victory in the second election in 2001. However, in face of the welfare state system lasting over half a century, Blair's reform cannot gain a fundamental breakdirough very soon.