The Moderates in Sweden propose reducing taxes on repairs and second-hand sales, a move criticized by the Green Party as hypocritical. This comes two years after the government, led by the Moderates, increased taxes on the same services. The proposal aims to encourage reuse and reduce waste, but the Green Party questions its absence from the recent budget and accuses the Moderates of pandering to climate-conscious voters.
Moderates Propose Tax Cuts on Repairs: Accused of Hypocrisy
Moderates Propose Tax Cuts on Repairs: Accused of Hypocrisy
The Moderates want to reduce taxes on repairs. This announcement comes two years after the Moderate-led government increased taxes on the same services. "It's incredible hypocrisy," says the Green Party's Janine Alm Ericson.
In an Instagram clip, the Moderates' party secretary, Karin Enström, discusses the proposal.
"We want to lower taxes for repairing items and buying second-hand. Good for the wallet and good for the climate. Simply a good idea," says Karin Enström.
In the post, the Moderates propose reduced taxes on repairs and second-hand sales to encourage "more reuse and less waste." The proposal is part of the party's action program to be adopted at the conference later this fall.
Green Party: Hypocrisy
As recently as 2023, the Tidö parties increased taxes on repairs.
The VAT was raised from 6 to 12 percent for repairs of bicycles, shoes, leather goods, clothing, and household linen. According to the government, the aim was to increase uniformity in the tax system.
Under the previous red-green government, VAT on certain repairs had been reduced in two steps, from 25 to 6 percent.
The Green Party's economic policy spokesperson, Janine Alm Ericson, calls the Moderates' U-turn "incredible hypocrisy."
"They try to mislead voters by saying an issue is important, which they have clearly ignored for years. On the contrary, they have raised VAT on repairs," she says.
Flirting with Voter Groups
Janine Alm Ericson questions why the proposal was missing from the M-led government's autumn budget on Monday, which is the last for the mandate period.
"Two days later, they present new economic proposals not included in the budget."
According to Alm Ericson, the Moderates want to flirt with a targeted climate-engaged voter group. The Green Party leader admits the proposals are good in principle but believes Ulf Kristersson's party lacks credibility on the issue.
Besides reduced taxes on repairs, the Green Party also advocates for lower taxes on buying second-hand. But it's easier said than done.
"You have to turn to the EU to change tax rules on second-hand. We want to do that too. But it's not as simple as the Moderates make it seem. It's dishonest communication," says Janine Alm Ericson.
Expressen has sought the Moderates. In a written comment, Karin Enström responds:
"Reducing taxes on reuse is one of the proposals for the Moderates' conference this fall, a proposal I believe many will appreciate. Unlike the Green Party, we are not a single-issue party that only manages to achieve marginal compromises with the Social Democrats. While we now present a budget for hard-working people, we also aim for the next mandate periods."