Emilia Bjuggren announces her candidacy to become Stockholm's new finance commissioner following Karin Wanngård's decision to step down. Reports suggest a power struggle within the Social Democrats, with Bjuggren backed by the left-leaning Reformisterna. Bjuggren emphasizes her commitment to equality and climate action, reflecting on her upbringing in Tensta and the city's growing segregation.
Power Struggle in Stockholm: Emilia Bjuggren Aims to Succeed Karin Wanngård
Power Struggle in Stockholm: Emilia Bjuggren Aims to Succeed Karin Wanngård
Karin Wanngård (S) recently announced her decision to step down as finance commissioner after the election. Now, Emilia Bjuggren has expressed her desire to lead the Social Democrats in Stockholm. According to Expressen, a power struggle has been unfolding behind the scenes.
In a Facebook post, Emilia Bjuggren, the school, labor market, and personnel commissioner in Stockholm, declared her candidacy for the new finance commissioner role in Stockholm.
This follows Karin Wanngård's recent announcement that she will not seek re-election. Wanngård, who has led the capital since 2022 and from 2014-2018, recently turned 50 and became a mother to twins earlier this year. She told DN that she wants to pursue other interests in life.
Power Struggle Among S-Women
However, Expressen reports that a power struggle has been ongoing between the two S-women. Sources indicate that Emilia Bjuggren's circle has been aiming to remove Karin Wanngård for some time, and Wanngård's announcement is seen as a preemptive move to avoid being ousted.
During Wanngård's parental leave in the spring, she was replaced by Deputy Finance Commissioner Anders Österberg, which reportedly upset Emilia Bjuggren.
The conflict between Wanngård and Bjuggren is said to stem from the left-leaning S-association Reformisterna's ambition to take over Stockholm. Reformisterna, along with several other S-associations, has nominated Bjuggren.
According to reports, including those from Mitti Stockholm, Emilia Bjuggren made herself available for the finance commissioner position even before Karin Wanngård announced her departure.
Bjuggren Runs for Finance Commissioner
Bjuggren has now officially announced her candidacy.
"In my Stockholm, we proudly march in the Pride parade, lead on climate initiatives, and stand up for the equal value and rights of all people with certainty. This is the Stockholm I want to protect and develop," she writes on Facebook.
Emilia Bjuggren also shares her upbringing in Tensta and how segregation has worsened since then:
"In Stockholm, we Social Democrats have begun to find ways to take segregation seriously. We have made some progress, but we also have significant work ahead to ensure the next generation of Stockholmers grows up in a more equal city."
Expressen has reached out to Emilia Bjuggren and Karin Wanngård, both of whom declined to comment.