Tobias Billström's Revelations on His Sudden Departure

In September last year, Tobias Billström left his role as Sweden's Foreign Minister. In his upcoming book, Billström promises revelations about his sudden exit. "I will lift many curtains," he says.

He has attended Almedalen Week for many years, but this time in a new role.

It was in September last year that Tobias Billström dramatically announced his resignation as Foreign Minister and his departure from the government.

During this year's Almedalen Week, Billström appears on stage only once, in his new role as an advisor. When Expressen meets the former Foreign Minister after his appearance at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, he says that most things feel the same.

"I have stood on the Almedalen stage in so many different roles, so I don't think there's much difference," says Billström.

Billström: "Much is at Stake"

Despite it being over nine months since Tobias Billström left his post as Sweden's Foreign Minister, he remains deeply engaged in foreign policy issues. He sees a troubled world situation.

"There is a lot at stake right now. It is incredibly important that we all stand up for Ukraine and stop Russian aggression. This requires that the EU and NATO do their job," says Tobias Billström.

He calls the five percent goal, recently agreed upon by NATO countries in The Hague, "very gratifying."

"But it is also important that the EU really steps up regarding the defense industry and the defense industrial ambitions that must exist for us to catch up. Here in Almedalen, many talk about preparedness issues, and I think that reflects the times."

Donald Trump Called "Daddy"

Ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, NATO chief Mark Rutte called US President Donald Trump "daddy" when the two leaders greeted each other.

Something Tobias Billström believes is a sign of where the NATO leader stands.

"I don't have much to say about the wording itself, but it is obvious that as Secretary General of NATO, one is eager to reach out to the largest and most significant military power and try to make them feel welcome."

"Covering Everything Until the Last Day"

In September, Tobias Billström will release his autobiography "Skarpt läge," something he looks forward to.

"Whether it contains any revelations is in the eye of the beholder, but the book is about my time as Foreign Minister and will describe many of the events and decisions that were up. I will lift many curtains in this book to show what happened, not least during the NATO process."

Will you reveal anything new about your departure?

"That will also be included, I cover everything until the last day. Those who wait and buy the book will see what I reveal."