The opposition in Boden is challenging the transition support granted to former councilor Claes Nordmark, who was convicted of sexual assault. Despite his conviction, Nordmark could receive 1.3 million SEK in support, sparking public debate and legal action.
Controversy Over Transition Support for Convicted Ex-Councilor Claes Nordmark
Controversy Over Transition Support for Convicted Ex-Councilor Claes Nordmark
Former Social Democratic councilor in Boden, Claes Nordmark, may receive 1.3 million SEK in transition support despite being convicted of sexual assault. DN reports that the issue has been appealed to the administrative court.
On July 3, former councilor Claes Nordmark (S) was convicted of sexual assault, which he denied. The sentence included 130 hours of community service and a conditional sentence. He was also ordered to pay 64,701 SEK in compensation to the victim, according to the district court's ruling.
Simultaneously, he could receive 1.3 million SEK, as he applied for transition support from Boden municipality when the charges were filed.
Now, the opposition in Boden is appealing the transition support decision, reports Dagens Nyheter.
– The compensation to the victim is a twentieth of what Claes Nordmark now receives. Boden's citizens are also paying for this, says Tobias Sundberg, group leader for the Moderates in Boden, to the newspaper.
Immediate Halt Requested
Nordmark reportedly received the first payment of the support, 72,151 SEK, even before the verdict was delivered.
Elected officials can receive this type of support while seeking new employment – a practice that has been controversial in several similar cases where former politicians have committed crimes or resigned due to other inappropriate behavior being revealed.
– In my appeal, I request an injunction, an immediate halt, and then we'll see if the administrative court follows that line, says Tobias Sundberg to DN.
The second vice chairman of the municipality, Béatrice Öman (S), tells the newspaper that the matter is handled according to current laws and regulations, according to the municipal lawyers.
– I always think it's entirely correct to request a legal review, that's how it works in Sweden, and moreover, this is an unusual situation, she says.