Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson faces criticism for his slow response during a press conference where Health Minister Elisabet Lann collapsed. In contrast, KD leader Ebba Busch was praised for her quick action, which gained international attention. The incident sparked debate on social media, with some defending Kristersson's reaction.
Swedish PM Criticized After Health Minister's Collapse
Swedish PM Criticized After Health Minister's Collapse
KD leader Ebba Busch has been internationally praised for her swift action when the new Health Minister Elisabet Lann collapsed during a live broadcast. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was not as quick to respond.
"This says everything about the government," says Paolo Roberto on Riks' "Morgongänget."
On Tuesday, the newly appointed Health Minister Elisabet Lann (KD) fainted during an ongoing press conference. She slumped over her podium and then fell directly towards the journalists present.
KD leader Ebba Busch reacted the fastest.
She rushed over and placed her party colleague in the recovery position.
Her quick response has been praised on social media, and the incident has been highlighted in international media, such as CNN, Daily Mail, and TMZ.
Mocked by Parliament Member
Significantly fewer seem impressed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. He stayed in the background, visibly shocked by the dramatic scenes.
Parliament member Niels Paarup-Petersen (C) shared a clip on X where the Prime Minister's raised arms in the background were illustrated with circus music and the text "If the crisis or war comes."
Gunilla Gomér (SD), a member of the Alingsås municipal council, calls him "confused and completely helpless" in a post on the same platform.
Even Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD), who took a few steps aside, is criticized.
"This says everything about the government," says entrepreneur Paolo Roberto on the SD-linked media channel Riks' "Morgongänget" and continues:
"A male instinct in such a situation is 'protect.' But there's none of that."
However, the Prime Minister receives support from Luf's chairman Anton Holmberg.
"Pushing through when three or four others are already there to make it look like you're helping is entirely the wrong thing to do," he writes on X.
To Expressen, Ulf Kristersson says it was a dramatic event.
"I had just given the floor to Jakob Forssmed and was looking in his direction, and then all this drama happened," he says and continues:
"I saw that there was a prompt intervention from several people. I think it was very nice that she was back on her feet so quickly."
Feeling Well
Quite soon after Tuesday's dramatic scenes in the press room, it became clear that Elisabet Lann had recovered. With the help of KD leader Ebba Busch, she got back on her feet and, along with the government office's guards and several members of the political staff, moved away.
Lann returned shortly thereafter to the press conference. From the podium, she declared, with a small laugh:
"That's what happens when you have a blood sugar drop."
Ebba Busch has herself said that she has some experience with crisis situations, as she previously lived with a man who has epilepsy – and is a mother.
"I'm used to catching my children like a greased lightning. I was also positioned so that I was facing her, maybe that contributed."