Mats Persson Resigns to Preempt Dismissal Amid Government Reshuffle

Mats Persson has resigned to preempt a dismissal, according to sources from Expressen. The new Liberal leader, Simona Mohamsson, is expected to join the government as early as Friday and may bring at least one more minister with her.

"Many believe this will be a larger reshuffle this time," says a source from one of the government parties.

In recent days, there has been intense discussion within the Tidö parties about an expected government reshuffle at the end of the ongoing Almedalen Week, likely on Friday morning.

Several sources have indicated that the Minister for Employment and Integration, Mats Persson (L), was on his way out. It has been suggested that the newly elected party leader, Simona Mohamsson, wants to revamp her team and is expected to dismiss Persson.

However, on Wednesday, Persson himself announced his resignation.

Mats Persson cites family reasons among others.

"I have been in national politics for ten years and feel it is time to do something else in life," he told TT.

Whether this means Simona Mohamsson will take on his responsibilities is currently unclear. Many expect a liberal party leader to want the education portfolio, but several also point out that Persson's portfolio aligns well with Mohamsson's political background.

Desks Cleared

At the same time, some believe that Prime Minister (M) Ulf Kristersson will surprise on Friday with a larger government reshuffle than just changes within the Liberals. There is talk within the government offices that "desks have been cleared" and that many will be affected.

It is clear that the Liberals have more changes to make. Simona Mohamsson left the position of party secretary and has just appointed a new party secretary, Fredrik Brange, former chairman of the Liberals in Lund, the party announced on Wednesday evening.

Rumor of EU Minister Post

The foreign policy spokesperson Joar Forssell is seen as one of the people already in Mohamsson's circle, and some suggest he could become a minister. He is also pointed out as a potential group leader if Lina Nordquist, who currently holds that role, steps into Rosenbad.

Another possible solution raised by people within the Tidö parties is that the Liberals might be interested in the EU minister post.

There are whispers of a possible rotation where Romina Pourmokhtari (L), the climate minister, and Jessica Rosencrantz (M) swap places. However, few believe in this solution. Among other things, it is emphasized that Rosencrantz handles EU issues well and that Pourmokhtari is passionate about the climate minister post.

Expressen has sought Mats Persson, who refers to his statements to TT.