Acko Ankarberg Johansson, a prominent figure in the Christian Democrats, has announced her resignation as Minister of Health and her departure from the Swedish Parliament. This decision comes just a week after she declared her candidacy for another term. Her resignation marks the end of a long career in various roles within the party, and she plans to focus on personal matters before revealing her future plans.
Acko Ankarberg Johansson Resigns as Minister of Health
Acko Ankarberg Johansson Resigns as Minister of Health
Acko Ankarberg Johansson is stepping down as Minister of Health and leaving the Swedish Parliament. The announcement comes just a week after she declared her candidacy for another term.
"One year left until the election – an opportunity for someone else to take over," writes the Christian Democrat leader on Facebook.
The announcement of her resignation came on Monday afternoon. The Christian Democrats stated in a press release that Acko Ankarberg Johansson has announced she will resign as Minister of Health on Tuesday.
She is also leaving her position as a Member of Parliament for Jönköping County and withdrawing her candidacy for the next parliamentary term.
The news comes just a week after the Christian Democrat leader announced her candidacy for another term.
– Acko, with her warm commitment, has been a guiding star for many when it comes to ambition and striving for the common good, says party secretary Liza-Maria Norlin in a comment.
Writes on Facebook
On Facebook, Acko Ankarberg Johansson herself talks about her resignation. She writes that she has been a trusted representative for the Christian Democrats in various positions since 1986, as a municipal councilor, party secretary, Member of Parliament, and minister.
"It has been a privilege to work for and with the Christian Democratic movement," writes Ankarberg Johansson.
She does not mention why she is leaving but concludes by saying she will "in due time" return to what she will do next.
"Now it is time for family and loved ones," writes the Christian Democrat leader.
Time as Minister
Both she and the party highlight what has happened during Acko Ankarberg Johansson's time as minister.
Among other things, the state control of healthcare has increased, healthcare's role in civil preparedness has developed, and the national cancer strategy has been revised.
"I am particularly pleased that we can soon state that the risk of cervical cancer has been eliminated through the efforts made with HPV screening and vaccination," writes the outgoing minister.
Busch and Kristersson Thank
Party leader Ebba Busch writes on Facebook that she wants to "extend a heartfelt thank you" to Acko Ankarberg Johansson for her efforts as minister. She further writes that the Christian Democrat politician has been "a key person" in crucial stages within both Swedish politics and the Christian Democrats.
"It is a political commitment where Acko, in many roles, has been an important force. A commitment carried by values that are beautifully summarized with her own words: 'people coming together and working for the common good'," writes Busch.
She concludes by writing that the party will announce who will replace Ankarberg Johansson.
The government also states that they will announce "shortly" who will take over.
– I want to extend a big thank you to Acko Ankarberg Johansson for her efforts and important work as a minister over the past three years, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in a comment.