Billström Criticizes Handling of National Security Advisor Role

Tobias Billström is critical of Ulf Kristersson's handling of the national security advisor position.

In his new book, "In Sharp Focus," Tobias Billström reflects on his time as Foreign Minister until his resignation last fall.

Initially supportive, he is now critical of the decision to make the national security advisor role an apolitical position.

"I am now convinced that this is not the right order," he writes.

In practice, Billström argues, it was never an apolitical role anyway.

"No one can work in the immediate vicinity of the Swedish Prime Minister with the weight that the national security advisor is meant to have, without holding a political position. That's just how it is," he writes.

Confusion Reigned

The position was new when Henrik Landerholm took office as national security advisor, and he was given a standing point at the government's meeting without the foreign or defense minister receiving any prior information.

During the organization's startup, general confusion prevailed. They attempted to emulate their American counterpart, writes Billström, who calls all efforts in that direction risky and "not recommended."

He also describes how staff at Landerholm's office frequently called the foreign ministry to try to understand their own duties.