In a bid to secure a long-term energy agreement, Ebba Busch has been holding secret talks with the opposition, focusing on nuclear power and other energy sources like solar and wind. The discussions aim to establish stable energy policies that endure beyond the 2026 elections. Both sides have shown increased openness, with Social Democrats warming to nuclear energy and Busch considering alternative sources. A potential agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.
Secret Talks Between Ebba Busch and Opposition on Nuclear Energy
Secret Talks Between Ebba Busch and Opposition on Nuclear Energy
In utmost secrecy, Ebba Busch has been engaging in discussions with the opposition to reach a long-term energy agreement. The talks now include both nuclear power and other energy sources like solar and wind.
Last spring, energy talks led by Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch (KD) with the opposition collapsed. The invited opposition representatives were very dissatisfied, arguing that the government had a too narrow focus on nuclear power. They emphasized that other energy sources, such as solar and wind, must also be considered for an agreement to be reached.
Since then, there has been silence.
But now, Expressen can reveal that the talks have continued in utmost secrecy and in a changed form.
Previously, Ebba Busch met with the entire opposition collectively, but now the discussions are held with one party at a time. The Social Democrats have been prioritized in the meetings, and the party's spokesperson on energy issues, Fredrik Olovsson (S), is said to have participated several times.
Andersson's Announcement
The focus of the talks is to reach as broad an energy agreement as possible, with long-term rules that will hold even if there is a change of power in the 2026 election. This is something the industry has demanded.
Magdalena Andersson recently stated in an interview with DN that her party might support the government's plans for state support for nuclear power, which is linked to the talks. According to sources within both the opposition and government parties, the parties have significantly moved closer since last spring.
Ebba Busch is now said to be more open than before to including other energy sources in the talks, which has been a clear demand from the opposition. And the opposition, primarily the Social Democrats, is said to have become increasingly positive towards new nuclear power. Several sources believe that an agreement could be in place within the next few weeks.
A crucial piece of the puzzle was a statement from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M). When he held a press conference following Vattenfall's announcement that they want to build new modular reactors recently, he said that the government wants to see a broad energy agreement.
He added:
– When making decisions that extend decades into the future, political stability is required.
"Still Unclear"
Expressen has contacted several of the involved individuals, but none want to comment directly on the meetings.
Fredrik Olovsson from the Social Democrats confirms that talks are ongoing but does not want to provide any details about them.
– Talks began in the spring and are still not concluded. It's great that we have them; Sweden would need an agreement in energy policy, but whether it means we are getting closer and landing in an agreement is still unclear, he says.