Sweden's newly released budget has sparked strong reactions from political parties. The Social Democrats demand an apology from the finance minister, criticizing the government's economic policies. The Center Party labels it a 'panic budget,' while the Left Party accuses the government of depleting state funds. In contrast, the Sweden Democrats express satisfaction, highlighting their influence on the budget.
Political Reactions to Sweden's Budget: Calls for Apology and Criticism
Political Reactions to Sweden's Budget: Calls for Apology and Criticism
The budget has been released, and reactions are pouring in. The opposition is not impressed.
– Looking at the current reality, I would rather expect an apology from the finance minister to the Swedish people, says Mikael Damberg, the Social Democrats' economic policy spokesperson.
Social Democrats: An Apology is Due
Sweden and its people have become poorer this term. This is the message from the Social Democrats following the release of the government and SD's budget. Mikael Damberg, economic policy spokesperson, listened to Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson this morning.
– It's strange how satisfied she is. It seems like she thinks she's done everything right. But looking at the reality, I would rather expect an apology from the finance minister to the Swedish people, he says.
For the fourth time, a right-wing government will leave behind low growth, high unemployment, and increasing growth, says Mikael Damberg during the press conference.
– Every time we have a moderate finance minister, the deficit skyrockets.
The government's employment policy has become a subsidy policy, according to Mikael Damberg, who believes the budget does not do enough to reduce unemployment.
– Does the finance minister take this seriously? I believe she does not. She blames trade tariffs and economic uncertainty. This affects other countries too – where unemployment has decreased.
Center Party: Secondary Shame
The Center Party chooses the phrase "panic budget instead of real reforms" when commenting on the government's budget.
– I wish the government good luck, considering how bad it looks, says Martin Ådahl, economic policy spokesperson.
He calls the budget a "last-minute panic budget on payday loans." Growth is low while unemployment has increased to half a million people during the term. It now affects not only foreign-born but also native-born and academics.
– Unemployment insurance costs have almost doubled, says Martin Ådahl.
The government's investments are too short-term and temporary, a way to create a good mood before the election, according to C.
Ådahl points out that Sweden is missing its climate goals, with an emissions gap against all climate targets and EU commitments, in the 2025 scenario.
– Climate policy is not working. Emissions are soaring. I just heard the finance minister say she is not ashamed. I can say, I have secondary shame over how bad it is.
Left Party: Draining the State Treasury
The government has failed with jobs, growth, housing construction, and family margins, according to the Left Party.
– The main investment in welfare, the queue billion that will go to all regions, does not even cover Västra Götaland's deficit, says the Left Party's economic policy spokesperson Ida Gabrielsson.
With a year left until the election, suddenly "80 billion in reform space" has "appeared," comments V on the timing of an expansive budget a year before the election.
– It's no coincidence. Now they have no problem draining the state treasury, says Gabrielsson.
– If they believed in their reforms, they would have done it earlier.
Many of the government's investments are temporary and end after the election, says Ida Gabrielsson further, comparing it to sneaky price hikes before Black Friday.
– It's like when a partner has been unfaithful, comes with a bouquet of flowers and says sorry, and then you realize it was bought at a gas station. That's how the budget will quickly feel to voters.
Sweden Democrats: Many SD Wins
The Sweden Democrats are pleased with the budget, which they themselves helped to develop.
– It's a strong budget, offensive, expansive, many Sweden Democrat wins, says the Sweden Democrats' economic policy spokesperson Oscar Sjöstedt to Expressen.
He highlights reduced food VAT and electricity tax as areas he is particularly pleased with.
It has been called an election pork barrel budget. Is this a budget you will win the election on?
– This is a household budget and a cyclical budget. And yes, that's my hope. We don't really know yet. We have to wait about a year.
What was the hardest thing for the Tidö parties to agree on?
– It was a night session again this year, I can say.
READ MORE: Budget released – families prioritized