Defense and society's crisis preparedness

Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! At the same time as we gather here today, the war in Ukraine continues with unabated force. Every day and every night, attacks are carried out against the fighting democracy in Ukraine. Our solidarity with Ukraine must be clear, stable, and long-term. It covers the entire war. It also covers any potential peace. The reconstruction of Ukraine is, in that situation, an important task.

All of Europe must stand behind Ukraine, and the support must not falter even if different types of signals are coming on the international arena today. We can also look forward to next year with some apprehension. What will happen if the support for Ukraine from, for example, the USA were to decrease? Then Europe must take an additional step, and Sweden is a part of this work. The Nordic countries, the Baltic countries, Poland, Germany and so on can play an important role in the work to maintain a stability in the support for Ukraine.

What is happening in Ukraine is also crucial for our future. An iron curtain is slowly falling across Europe, and where it falls is actually about what is happening at the front in Ukraine and where it is located, geographically speaking. The build-up of Swedish defense capability is part of a policy to manage a future with freedom and democracy.

Expenditure area 6, which we have to deal with today, includes an appropriation of 169 billion. It is a consequence of the developments in the defense decisions of 2015 and 2020.

Sweden's defense capability has been strengthened. The government also states this in its budget. It asserts that there is a good capability to uphold Sweden's territorial integrity and protect sovereign rights in line with international law. It points out the Finnish-Swedish and Nordic cooperation and the cooperation with other European countries as well as the USA as a central part of the Armed Forces' capability development. It states that conscription is a fundamental prerequisite for the defense's continued growth. This also implies a recognition that the reactivation of conscription was a strategic and important decision.

I want to remind that at one time it was a bourgeois majority that suspended conscription, which led to a situation where we could not recruit complete units to train with within the Armed Forces. It was an important measure that was taken by the Social Democratic government that took office in 2014.

I can also state that it is said that the aforementioned and unannounced readiness operations are deterrent and contribute to strengthened capability. This too was something that was initiated during our government's time in cooperation with the other countries. About 20 different agreements on deepened cooperation and an additional 30 similar agreements were what was achieved. This laid the foundation for these collaborations, which in practice have also facilitated the process into Nato.

What is presented in the budget is, in many ways, a follow-up and a continuation of the policy pursued during 2014-2022. This work has thus had a decisive effect on the situation today.

I can also state that the various defense decisions that have been made have been made with relatively broad majorities. It has not been in complete agreement, but for the most part, it has been agreed. I expect that we will now get a complete agreement regarding the next defense decision that we will handle within a few weeks.

In the budget bill, it also states that the government intends to present a defense industry strategy. The question is how far-reaching it will be. Will we now move from an untimely market-oriented thinking that does not work in reality to a more planned and long-term relationship with the Swedish defense industry?

We are still fortunate to have a well-functioning defense industry in Sweden, but we have not yet managed to achieve a balance between politics and the defense industry. It is about production lines that can increase our capacity both in our own stockpiles and when it comes to delivering to Ukraine. It is about a planning that ensures that the product development also benefits Swedish conditions and where there is an order base based on the interests of the Swedish state.

I am glad that we have left the old expeditionary defense and that there was a broad consensus on this. That is also what characterizes this budget proposal, as it is based on a completely different construction than the one that prevailed during the time when Fredrik Reinfeldt was Prime Minister.

The change that has occurred since 2015 and which is still ongoing and is far from finished is dramatic in that one is moving from a small intervention defense to a national defense. These are two completely different things, which are based on completely different mindsets and military principles and principles for civil defense. This also shows how incredibly misguided the intervention defense was – that which ultimately aimed to contribute to different types of international operations. I just want to state that it is very good that we are now building upon what we started in 2015.

I can see a number of challenges that we must manage. It is about recruiting and retaining staff. It is a very important issue. We have a staff shortage within important categories such as pilots, technicians and specialists. When it comes to the materiel side, we have large risks for delays and high price developments. This is naturally about the fact that defense materiel today is in demand pretty much everywhere and that the demand to Ukraine is particularly large.

Our support for Ukraine has strong delay effects in relation to the buildup of the Swedish Armed Forces. This has, among other things, had a direct impact on our ability to build up brigades according to the decision that we have previously made, which I think one should note.

We still have a lack of coordination and interoperability between different units, and there are deficiencies in equipment and infrastructure. It is particularly important to consider the latter, equipment and infrastructure, because there are now great ambitions to increase the conscription.

Civil defense, similar to military defense, is in a strong growth phase. Measures have been taken, such as increased and more extensive exercise activities, for example, exercise activities where both the military and the civil are practiced simultaneously and where a long line of civil authorities participate. Personnel have been war-stationed in different parts of the public sector. Today, there is also an attention on the fact that municipalities and regions must function in their civil activities even in a crisis and war situation. Activation of civil duty within rescue services and electricity supply is important, as is the actualization of improving and creating new shelters. It is also about developing municipalities' and regions' engagement in crisis preparedness.

I also know that there is a great deal of commitment across the county administrative boards to coordinate this type of activity in the respective counties.

But much remains to be done in the civil area. Healthcare in crisis and war must be built up; there we lag far behind. The role of the business sector in crisis and war must be clarified and planned. It is a major task, which in our opinion requires its own agency. The economic supply preparedness must be built up. The work to be able to meet cyberattacks never ends and must constantly be developed and renewed. Disruptions and sabotage in society's infrastructure is something that one must constantly be attentive to and all the time find methods to prevent and combat.

A functioning civil defense is fundamental for the Armed Forces to be able to function in a crisis and war situation. The total defense perspective is absolutely crucial.

From a Social Democratic perspective, we want to make the following point: The Swedish material stocks should be replenished as a consequence of the support to Ukraine. There is a clear risk of great uncertainty regarding how the shortage situation affects the capability growth in the Swedish Armed Forces. This places great demands on the government, but also on the information that the Defence Committee receives regarding these issues. It is not easy to keep up with or to see this transparently. The follow-up of the extensive compensatory material orders must be very efficient and clear.

The war in Ukraine and the experiences from this shall be dimensioning for the Swedish Armed Forces.

The conscription should be developed to include 12,000 conscripts linked to, among other things, four army brigades.

Swedish combat aviation should also in the next generation be characterized by a Swedish-Nordic design. The starting point shall be national requirements and needs. Combat aviation is a Swedish national security interest that must be protected.

The next class of submarines will also be characterized by the requirements that the Swedish-Nordic environment, that is, the Baltic Sea's operational conditions, impose. An analysis of adding an additional submarine to the submarine units, which we agreed upon in the Defence Preparation Board, is something that we believe should be carried out. It is a matter of safeguarding this national security interest as well.

Against the background of the enormous amounts that the total defense has been allocated so far and will be allocated in the future, we underline the need for a solidarity-based financing. We believe that a special readiness tax should be introduced and paid by the higher income brackets in society.

In a reservation we have in connection with this, we write: The Swedish Defence Research Agency is given a special mandate to follow up on the goals for society's crisis preparedness. The goals for society's crisis preparedness and civil defense are mutually reinforcing and contribute to a more efficient use of society's resources in crisis and high alert.

We think it is very important that precisely this perspective is highlighted and analyzed.

I vote in favor of reservation 1.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! The world is in a period of transition. Due to Russia, a large-scale war is raging in Europe. China's strategic and military actions also affect security in the Euro-Atlantic area as well as developments in the Middle East and the changing security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition, there is a broad and increasingly complex threat against Sweden and Swedish interests and increased risks to Swedish security. Taken together, the threat against Sweden has increased. The conditions for Swedish security policy have thus changed fundamentally. An armed attack against Sweden or our allies cannot be ruled out.

Since March 7 this year, Sweden has been a member of Nato. Membership in Nato strengthens Sweden's security, while Nato as a whole becomes stronger with us. As an ally, Sweden participates in Nato's operational planning, which, together with among other things Nato's capability planning process, constitutes a central starting point regarding Sweden's role and tasks in Nato's deterrence and defense.

Sweden is now being progressively integrated into NATO's new plans. The integration of Sweden is important for the plans' feasibility. It is central for Sweden to contribute here. We are an active ally.

The plans are accompanied by requirements for forces, command structure, and mandates. Added to this is the enabling of military operations. Here we have seen that the government's intention is clear: Sweden shall contribute to NATO's activities for deterrence and defense. A proposition covering contributions within the land, sea, and air domains was submitted to the Riksdag on 7 October 2024. As examples of contributions, contributions to NATO's enhanced presence in Latvia with a reduced battalion, contributions to NATO's air space surveillance, and contributions to NATO's standing naval force can be mentioned.

The war units constitute the basis for Sweden's contribution to NATO's deterrence and collective defense. NATO's capability goals, both already assigned and expected during 2025, constitute an important starting point in the design of the Swedish war organization.

Mr. Speaker! We need to strengthen our defense. We need to increase the combat readiness of the organization decided in the 2020 defense decision. This applies to personnel, materiel, and in terms of infrastructure. We need to strengthen areas that have proven to be particularly important in the warfare in Ukraine and in the technical and tactical development, including air defense, long-range strike capability, unmanned vehicles, command and logistics, as well as digitalization.

The current war organization is in all material respects relevant but in need of extensive capability-enhancing measures, a need that has accumulated over a long period. This applies with different points of emphasis for all branches of the defense.

The proposal in the bill is in all material respects in line with the Defense Committee's reports, but with some differences. The Defense Committee proposed, for example, that the war organization should be expanded with two rifle battalions with command and maintenance components. It was also proposed that it should be considered to add a conscript defense music corps in Norrland to the defense music.

Now we have seen in the bill how the government has assessed, like the Armed Forces, that it is necessary to prioritize the development of the already decided brigades and ensure that these are developed in accordance with NATO's objectives. That is good, because we must actually see that the things we decide also get implemented.

The Government has assessed that issues concerning new war units or affecting the overall design of the Armed Forces need to be considered with better knowledge of the NATO membership, including upcoming capability goals during the autumn of 2025, as well as other external factors affecting the implementation of the defense decision.

The Defence Preparation Committee proposed that by 2030 at the latest, 12,000 conscripts shall undergo basic training annually. It was further considered that by 2035 at the latest, it should be considered to further increase the number of conscripts undergoing basic training annually to 14,000.

However, it is a matter of being able to achieve this in reality. The Armed Forces consider that the basic training volumes should be increased gradually in balance with production and training conditions, with the goal of reaching a volume of 12,000 conscripts during the period 2032-2035. This is somewhat later than the Defense Preparation's proposal, but still something that is seen as practically feasible.

Here we can see that the government shares the Swedish Armed Forces' assessment and that the goal should therefore be to achieve annual basic training volumes of 12,000 conscripts during the period 2032-2035 and then increase this stepwise. No future increases in basic training volumes beyond this are excluded either, if this should be required for the personnel supply of the military defense.

The proposition also contains a higher ambition when it comes to digitalization compared to the Defence Preparation.

Experiences from Ukraine show, among other things, the importance of digital capability for leadership and impact on the battlefield and for obtaining support from other countries. Here is the government's assessment that digitalization is ultimately crucial both for the intelligence and security services as well as for the Armed Forces' operational capability, and for the total defense's capability in large. It is also of importance to be able to act as a relevant party in national and international contexts.

To realize the digitalization, a central and scalable capability is required with the ability to process, store, and handle very large amounts of data, something that can enable a better integration of sensor and effector platforms within Sweden and together with our allies.

Mr. Speaker! It actually feels historic to stand here today and be part of a decision like this. It is a historic investment in defense - closer to 174 billion kronor until 2030 or 2.6 percent of GDP until 2028 according to NATO's way of counting. It will be a strong military defense with personnel and materially equipped war units that are used in operations every day.

I would also say that we now have a paradigm shift for civil defense - 37.5 billion kronor until 2030. It will be a resilient civil defense that contributes to the military defense's capability, which synchronizes, holds together and ensures the most important societal functions, which protect the civilian population and have the ability to maintain the will to defend and society's resilience against external pressures.

I therefore move for approval of the committee's proposal in its entirety. The committee also rejects the alternative budget proposals submitted in motions. It is nevertheless the case that we, in the large, agree on this historical investment, and it is good for Sweden.

The proposition means that we can enable the procurement of supplies on a large scale, including ammunition. Investments in ammunition, supplies, and spare parts may not be so very fun, but they are so very much needed. It builds a robust Sweden. It also means raincoats, boots, and other things that are fundamental for those under conscription. It means underwear and socks, which have not existed under the previous, Social Democratic, government.

When it comes to the direction of a stronger total defense, the government further highlights in particular the direction for a well-functioning defense intelligence activity, a developed resilience against hybrid threats, strengthened cybersecurity, public anchoring through the Home Guard and the voluntary defense organizations, as well as space as a strategic domain.

Then we have the second leg of the total defense: our civil defense. Even here, it feels historical, as I was mentioning. This is an enormous investment that we have not seen before.

Civil defense shall be expanded based on the requirements that war imposes. It requires a forward-looking culture characterized by decisiveness for us to succeed. It is about what I do, what you do, and what we all do, individually and together.

We see that a development of the preparedness structure as well as opportunities for expanded civil service is needed. It is necessary to prioritize the measures that quickly provide the greatest effect and thus increased capability in the short term within the most important societal functions. As the Minister for Civil Defence usually says: It is better with "good enough" tomorrow than "best" in five years.

We need to grow. We need a mobilization of strength. This naturally also means that a strengthened ability to support the Armed Forces is needed. Society's resilience is also a part of NATO's collective deterrence and defense. This means increased resources for our important voluntary defense organizations and critical areas such as the protection of transport infrastructure, shelters, and strengthened cybersecurity. It will be investments to increase the energy system's robustness. We also get initiatives to strengthen the digital infrastructure.

Now there will be a gradual build-up of robust food preparedness and drinking water supply. We will also get reinforced supply preparedness for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. A very important part is innovation and cooperation between civil and military actors as well as, naturally, good cooperation with the business sector.

Now it is a matter of the military and the civil defense moving in step. The pace is being increased on both sides. It requires a forward-looking culture characterized by decisiveness, Mr. Speaker. It requires exercise, it requires cooperation, and it requires good follow-up.

Then we have this matter of goal and result monitoring, which is so important. Our work in the committee includes monitoring and evaluating parliamentary decisions. As part of the committee's monitoring, it includes processing the result information that the government presents.

Against that background, the committee has reviewed the government's statement of results for expenditure area 6 in the budget bill. The review is a basis for the committee's handling of the budget bill and for the continued goal and result dialogue with the government.

We have had an arrangement since the 90s that it is the Defence Preparation Board that is responsible for consultations between the government and the parliamentary parties regarding the long-term direction of the defence and security policy. The Defence Preparation Board shall, among other things, monitor the security policy developments in the world around us.

In the proposition, the government has, among other things, a new goal for the total defense and new goals for the military and civil defense respectively, as well as the direction for the Armed Forces' war organization. The goals that the Riksdag decides on during the preparation of these proposals lay the foundation for reports on results from the government during the upcoming direction period.

It is extremely important with goal and result monitoring. I see that with a Moderate-led government in place, there are good opportunities to implement a good result monitoring. In the bill, the government emphasizes the importance of good cost control and monitoring.

It is further argued that significant resources are needed and that investments are being made, and will continue to be made, in the military defense during the coming years. In that case, it is of great importance that we here in the Riksdag follow up and ensure that the intended results are achieved within the specified timeframe and allocated budget, and that the government can monitor the developments in the area.

The economic follow-up needs to be strengthened, and the internal governance and control within the Armed Forces and the defense area as a whole needs to continue to be developed. Here we can do better.

Mr. Speaker! In conclusion, I want to speak about our support for Ukraine. Even here, we are in agreement; we will continue to support Ukraine until the last Russian soldier has left the country. Since the war began, we have sent support worth 57 billion kronor. I am proud of that. I am proud of the work we have done in the committee. I am proud of the proactive work that the Moderate-led government is doing. And I am proud of the work that continues to be done to secure more support for Ukraine.

These are not just numbers. They are weapons to defend the country's sovereignty. It is humanitarian aid to children and families on the run. It is support to rebuild schools, hospitals, and homes that have been destroyed by the Russian regime's forces.

In this, we strengthen Ukraine's capacity by supporting their development of long-range missiles and drones. It is a crucial step for them to be able to defend themselves even better.

But the support is not only material. It is also moral and political. Sweden has stood on the front line to push for sanctions against Russia and to support Ukraine's path toward EU membership. We are and will always be a voice for freedom and justice.

But do you know? What is at stake is much greater. It is about our common future in Europe and in the world. If we allow a country like Ukraine to be forced to its knees by a brutal dictatorship, what do our principles mean then? What do our promises of democracy and freedom mean then? Ukraine's cause is ours. We stand united and will continue to support Ukraine as much and as long as is required.

This fight is actually about everything we believe in, everything we are prepared to defend. We will win together, with courage, perseverance, and determination. For freedom can, as we all know, not be taken for granted and is always worth fighting for.

(Applause)

In this speech, Jörgen Berglund and Gustaf Göthberg (both M) concurred.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! I reacted to a few things.

Regarding the Norrland Infantry Regiment, which we agreed upon in the Defence Preparation, Alexandra Anstrell now says that the government has made a different prioritization and that, in line with the Armed Forces, one considers that we should focus on building up the army brigades. Therefore, this shall take a backseat and cannot be included in a decision now.

The information I have received directly from the Minister for Defence is that we are to postpone the handling of Norrland's infantry regiment until October next year, when Nato is to present its so-called capability targets. It is directly linked to what type of units are to protect any potential import of materiel and personnel to Sweden in the event that we end up in a crisis or war situation. The idea was that these units should be responsible for that.

Shall we bring that question up for discussion again in October, when we have received NATO's views on the matter, and possibly decide on a direction then? Is that what applies? Or are you saying that it is sidelined from the discussion, that nothing will happen, and that it will be taken up again at the next defense decision? That is what I would like to have clarified.

It is actually a quite important question. These units are of the type that, in a distribution of resources in a war situation, become the national defense units, in addition to the Home Guard.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for the question, Member Hultqvist! I will try to clarify, so that there are no misunderstandings. That would be unfortunate.

The assessment was made not to include it right now because one wanted to wait for Nato. One needs to gain better knowledge about the Nato membership including upcoming capability goals, which would come during the autumn. I cannot say an exact date to the member, but those dates the Defense Minister himself must provide. But that is what we have received so far. We simply need to wait for what we get from Nato for this to be possible to carry out at the right pace.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! It is good that it was clarified. It is easy for things to go too fast both in the political language and in the decisions. Then those who might think that one should not have such an infantry regiment can take it as a given that it is not relevant, and then it disappears along the way. Now we have come back to the origin of this. It is probably October that applies for when the question is to be decided for real.

I assume that we are in a situation without preconditions and that the government does not expect to simply announce what applies in this National Planning and then have it be in a certain way, without being prepared to discuss that this infantry regiment shall be established. According to the planning that existed, it should be based in Sollefteå and Östersund. I hope that it is a situation without preconditions and that we have not locked ourselves in before October.

The second question I want an answer to concerns the fact that we have proposed that the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) should be tasked with also following up on the goals for the society's collective crisis preparedness, not just the goals for the military and civil defense respectively, but for the collective crisis preparedness. It is a completely different and significantly broader and deeper dimension. You reject this. Why do you do that?

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! I can try to read out my speech again for the member. I said that it has been judged that questions regarding new war units affecting the Defense Forces' overall design need to be considered with better knowledge of the NATO membership, including upcoming capability goals during the autumn of 2025 and other external factors that affect the implementation of the defense decision.

I believe everyone agrees that we want a strong, robust defense in Sweden. In that case, one needs to look at all components without prejudice.

Regarding the Agency for Total Defence Analysis, we have, as I see it and as I believe the government sees it, enough different parts following up. We have the National Audit Office, and we have regulatory letters and the like. We naturally rejected it because we did not think it was a good idea.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! It is very positive that there is such broad support in this chamber for the support to Ukraine. Miljöpartiet has stood behind all support packages to Ukraine. We have also called for a long-term perspective in the support to Ukraine. Therefore, we think it is good with the three-year framework that the government has presented. But we believe that the support to Ukraine needs to be significantly longer than that.

I noted that Alexandra Anstrell said that Sweden shall support Ukraine until the last Russian has left the country. My question is: Is the Moderaterna's assessment that it is enough? Miljöpartiet's assessment, however, is that Sweden needs to support Ukraine during the ongoing war but that we will also need to support Ukraine after the war has ended at some point, so that Ukraine can rebuild its country, gain security, and contribute to the European community. For that very reason, we believe that it would need to be a significantly longer support than this three-year program, which the government has presented, where we soon only have two years left.

Mr. Speaker! My question to Anstrell is as stated: Is it really only until the last Russian has left Ukraine that we are to support the country?

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Emma Berginger for a very important question.

We agree that Sweden should continue to support Ukraine so that they can build up their country to become a proper democracy without corruption and the like. And even today, we are helping Ukraine build up the country. We do it in many different parts, for example, MSB is on site. They have or will assign a person who will sit at the embassy to help in the reconstruction of the country. It is quite unusual for MSB to have a deployment in this way.

Many are also down and helping with waste management, so that what is being built up will become modern and good for the environment. There are also other parts.

It is difficult to establish a direction after two or three years when we do not really know if the war continues or if it is about a reconstruction of the country in peace. Therefore, it is difficult to point out a way right now. But we are absolutely for helping to build up a peacetime Ukraine.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! It is an important announcement that there is an intention to support Ukraine even in a future peace. But long-term support, which needs to be stated here and now, is an important signal to demonstrate our perseverance, that we do not tire and that we stand by Ukraine's side. This applies especially when support from other sides may falter and when the USA is about to have an unpredictable president. Therefore, I am considering how Sweden can continue to support Ukraine both militarily and civilly, humanitarily and economically, and how we can cooperate with our European colleagues to put pressure on the USA to continue contributing.

The transatlantic link is important for Europe's security. I wonder, Mr. Speaker, how the government intends to work to ensure that the pressure on the USA to continue contributing remains.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! I do not attend all the meetings that our ministers have with different countries, but there is one issue that is always top of mind and that they always carry with them: how to continue supporting Ukraine regardless of whether the support comes from the USA or some other country. We have stood at the forefront. I would say that we are one of the countries in Nato that helps Ukraine to the greatest extent.

It is also important that we ourselves remember to bring this up in all the meetings we have with other countries' parliaments. We often have guests here, and many of us are away on travels. We and the government should really be at the forefront of this.

That we do this via the EU is also something we have stood at the forefront of. We do it by supporting Ukraine's path towards EU membership and by pushing for the sanctions against Russia. This is something we will continue to do.

I believe that all parties in the Riksdag can still join forces and say that we stand united for Ukraine's peace.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Hanna Gunnarsson (V)

Mr. Speaker and all of you who are listening and watching! Today we are debating the expenditure area in the state budget that concerns defense and security policy. Vänsterpartiet has submitted its own state budget in which we describe our investments and our economic policy, and our budget should be seen as a whole.

For one and a half years until April this year, the Defense Preparation Committee worked on developing a direction for the entire future Swedish total defense. It was a successful piece of work carried out by all parties together. This now means that we can make a decision on the total defense that we are very much in agreement on.

Vänsterpartiet stands behind the agreement from March 2022 to increase the defense budget to 2 percent of GDP, and furthermore, for the military defense. But we are, of course, still opposed to a Swedish NATO membership.

Mr. Speaker! Unity is a strength. In a very serious global situation with war in Ukraine and in many other places in the world and with climate change, cyberattacks and propaganda, it is important that we politicians do our very best to ensure that Sweden is safe and secure for everyone. Unity is a strong signal outward to Russia and inward to the own population and to all our authorities. Sweden is now building up the entire total defense again, both the military and the civil defense. Vänsterpartiet stands behind this development.

We truly see many different catastrophes around the world. Millions of people live in the humanitarian catastrophe that war and conflicts entail in areas of the world where generations will be affected by the situation that is ongoing. Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's occupation of Palestine are daily in the thoughts of very many people, even in our country.

Research from Uppsala University shows that 2023 was the year since 1946 when the most conflicts between states were ongoing in the entire world. There were 59 of them.

Russia's war in Ukraine is approaching its third anniversary. Russia's war and occupation aim for Russia to take over Ukraine as a country and erase its culture. Sweden must continue to support Ukraine as long as it is needed and also with reconstruction after the war. All parties also agree on this. Ceasefire, peace, democracy, welfare and development must be the goal for all people and all countries.

Climate change and natural disasters are also serious threats to the security of countries and their inhabitants. Around the world, natural disasters are a basis for war and conflicts. Counteracting climate change is therefore to work for a more peaceful and secure world. This must have the highest priority in many parts of our society. We must dare to make decisions that counteract the climate crisis we find ourselves in.

Mr. Speaker! In the last few days, I have been on a study visit to our military units in Boden and Luleå. Three important things recurred in all the discussions I had regarding the rebuilding of the military defense: personnel, infrastructure, and processes.

We must work even more to recruit but, above all, to retain the personnel we have in the military defense. It requires that the involved authorities, especially the Armed Forces, invest in improving wages and working conditions and that the problems and difficulties that exist in these areas are resolved. A substantial part of the budget increase to the military defense that we all stand behind must go to the personnel.

The infrastructure needs are great. This applies to housing, offices, garages, halls, hangars and quays. All these investments must be carried out and completed in order for the expansion of personnel and materiel to also be possible.

The decision-making and implementation processes must become more efficient. This is repeatedly mentioned in the discussions we have. Decisions must be made and planning and investigations must be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the direction we have established can be followed. This applies, of course, without us deteriorating permit processes and requirements concerning environmental and climate work or pressing the staff to work too much. But the processes must become smoother and more efficient at all levels.

Regarding civil defense, it applies that all society-critical activities must function here and now in order for them to be able to function during major crises or, in the worst case, war.

For Sweden to be a safe and secure country and a strong society, investments are needed in both defense and welfare. The entire welfare system - the schools, elderly care, and preschools - must be improved. It is incredibly important that this must not take a backseat to the investments we are now making in the total defense. Staff who already today are on their knees and cannot manage to work full-time will not be able to expand their work during major crises, major accidents, or in the worst case, an attack.

At the same time, the civil infrastructure must improve throughout our country. The railway must be renovated to not only handle everyday life better today but also times of great strain. What we do not have today, we will not have if there is a crisis or, in the worst case, war.

All this must be handled by ordinary operations in ordinary budgets. Here, all agencies, all municipalities, all regions and the business sector have a very large responsibility. We from Vänsterpartiet naturally make investments in all these areas in the ordinary budgets that exist.

Mr. Speaker! The Left Party's most important slogan in political work is equality. The work for equality is, of course, also present within the defense and security area. We know, after all, that equal societies are stronger societies. It is when we stick together, level economic gaps, help each other, and take care of one another that society becomes more resilient against crises and attacks.

When we trust each other and get to know each other, as individuals and in groups, we can see through and expose propaganda and lies, and when we stick together we have an easier time coping with larger crises in everyday life, such as power outages, or worse things, such as floods and fires or in the worst case war. Our strength lies in our solidarity and community.

We all have a common responsibility to meet all forms of threats, whether they are climate-related or come from disinformation, racism or extremism or from other countries.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Mikael Oscarsson (KD)

Madam Speaker, dear colleagues, you who are sitting in the gallery and you who are following this via TV! Today we are discussing the Committee on Defence's report on expenditure area 6 Defence and society's crisis preparedness.

I intend to speak a little about the global situation, about the support for Ukraine and about Sweden's defense, and then I will conclude by mentioning something about a member who is no longer among us.

First, I would like to move for the approval of the committee's proposal in its entirety and the rejection of the reservations.

Madam Speaker! We find ourselves in a heightened security policy situation. We have all heard that, even you who are listening to this. It is real. We live in a serious time. We have the war in Ukraine which has now continued for two years and nine months. We have a world where Russia is a threat to us and to Ukraine, and where all the laws of war are ignored.

We also see how China is involved and supporting. First, much happened below the surface, but now it is clear that China supports Russia's war in Ukraine.

We see how help is sought from outside and support is received from Iran which, I was about to say, supports all the misery in the world.

We see North Korea. Those who have followed the news coverage today have also seen that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warns that they are being paid not only in rubles but also in nuclear technology and robot technology.

I do not want to be a doomsayer, Madam Speaker. I believe that we will manage this, even if it requires sacrifices. I believe, however, that it is important that when we talk about a heightened security policy situation and say that it is the worst since World War II, we understand that it is not a temporary dip. It is not something that applies for the moment but for the foreseeable future. That is why the committee report is so important, just as we talk about these issues together.

It has been said before, but I want to repeat it: By preparing for war, one reduces the risk of war. It is serious. We as a country have stood outside of war for over 200 years. That is fantastic, but it is not a law of nature, Madam Speaker. Here we have reason to constantly see that what matters, as an individual country, together in the Nordic region and in Nato, is deterrence. The only thing Putin respects is military capability, and that is why it is so important that we strengthen the defense in the way we are doing now.

Ukraine is fighting fantastically, and they are managing thanks to the support from the rest of the world. The USA is the country that supports the most. Sweden belongs among the top ten together with the other Nordic countries, and we shall continue with that. We speak about this in the report. It is important.

Several of us here in the chamber had the privilege about a year ago of being on the ground in Ukraine. Something that is very interesting and that I think is important to say in a debate like this, as perhaps many are listening, is that one is immensely grateful for the support that has been received to date and that one continues to receive.

Much praise is also given for the fact that what we have provided has yielded results. It is weapons, ammunition, Stridsfordon 90 and Archer. Something that is also important and which is pointed out in the report is that we also provide support in the long term. We are providing 25 billion this year, next year and the year after.

Much is being held in the stocks, Madam Speaker, and that is why it is important that we invest in new production, which we are now doing. We have a moral obligation to stand up for Ukraine - we all know that in here - but our own security is also affected. If what Putin is doing were to pay off, it would also have direct consequences for the Swedish people.

There is more old Soviet territory at stake. One might think or hear that there is no great hurry, but there is a hurry, Madam Speaker. There is danger in delay when it comes to implementing what we have said in the Defence Preparation Committee and to allocating the money that is required.

We are investing now, because it is important that we do not leave a bill for future generations. Sweden has for a long time underperformed when it comes to investing in defense. Now we are making important investments. We are going from 2.2 percent to 2.4 percent next year, and then it will become 2.6 percent.

As someone has pointed out, we will receive targets, that is, goals, from Nato next year. It could be so, Madam Speaker, that we need to invest even more, because there are deficiencies. Even Nato is the sum of what we as countries have in common, and if one looks at our part of the world, one sees that air defense is lacking and that we need more ground combat troops and infrastructure. There are many things we need in order to be able to stand stronger and deter an enemy.

I am now on our own defense, and the investments we are making are important. We are investing in the army. For the Christian Democrats, it was important that we, in the negotiations and also in the decision here, do not compromise on the army brigades. For a while, there was talk that it might be finished by 2035, but now it is established that it will be by 2030 at the latest. It is important that it becomes so.

It was the army that was downsized the most. It was reduced by over 90 percent after the end of the Cold War. Unfortunately, it was not only Sweden that did it, the entire Western world did it except for Finland. Now we have an important journey back, because it has unfortunately shown that the time of the large armies is not over. The army is important. The Air Force is important. The Navy is important. We are making important investments there as well.

We now have an important task in the Committee on Defence and the Defence Preparation to follow up on these matters and ensure that there are no delays. As recently as the day before yesterday, I was in Skåne and visited P 7, as a member just mentioned, where I got to meet many of the 170 conscripts who had their first major exercise. It was pleasing to see how well it is working now.

It is important that our objectives to increase the number of conscripts are followed up, because it is when we have filled units and exercises that we gain real capability. Therefore, this is of the utmost importance.

It is also important to invest in cyber defense. We have recently had sabotage in our vicinity against a cable between Sweden, Latvia, Finland, and Germany. I often say that military and civil defense is roughly like a rowboat. Both oars are needed – both the military and the civil – and a chain is never stronger than its weakest link.

Madam Speaker! My time here at the rostrum is about to end, but I promised initially that I would say a few words about a person who is no longer among us, namely Lars Wistedt.

Lars Wistedt would certainly have initiated this debate if he had been here, but he passed away 13 days ago. We noted him in the committee, where the chairman gave a fine speech about him, and we have also done so in the joint committee. A commemoration will also be held here in the chamber later today. We remember Lars and the commitment and expertise he had. We miss him. I can only say one thing: Rest in peace, dear Lars Wistedt!

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Mikael Larsson (C)

Madam Speaker! We are currently debating expenditure area 6 Defence and society's crisis preparedness. Since the parliamentary majority in the first step of the budget process has given the budget policy a different direction than the one we from the Center Party desire, the Center Party will refrain from taking a position regarding the allocation of appropriations within expenditure area 6. We refer to our special statement.

Madam Speaker! The security policy situation is deteriorating successively. With the war just a few hours away in Ukraine, it is the most serious situation in Europe since the Second World War.

In times of unrest, it is important to invest in the total defense. The defense has been strengthened since almost ten years ago, but there is still much left to do. The growth in capability has been negatively affected within the Armed Forces due to the war in Ukraine. Just that growth in capability needs to continue to have a high priority.

The personnel are the Armed Forces' most important resource in the development of a strengthened defense capability. The investigation that is currently underway regarding personnel supply within the defense is important. I actually believe that we are all waiting to see what it will come to. We hope that it will truly take several steps forward specifically to strengthen the personnel within the Armed Forces.

To accelerate the capability development within the military defense, the Center Party wants to allocate an additional 250 million kronor to the Armed Forces for 2025. Of that, 125 million kronor should be allocated to the unit budget to enable an enhanced incentive structure, training, and exercise out in the units, and we want to allocate 125 million kronor to the equipment budget, the purchase of more ammunition, and to replenish our stocks.

In the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has on repeated occasions carried out both cyberattacks and physical attacks against the energy sector. In Sweden, the difference between the threat profile and capability is far too great. To reduce this difference, the Center Party wants to invest additional resources in a robust municipal energy supply, which means creating better conditions for local distribution of electricity that reduces the risk of interruptions, for example, in the local heat supply.

Centerpartiet therefore wants to allocate 50 million kronor to strengthen a decentralized energy infrastructure through a special investment program for a more robust municipal energy supply. In this way, the resilience in the Swedish energy sector is significantly strengthened, and the gap between the threat and the capability is reduced.

Madam Speaker! Sweden's municipalities have a key role in peacetime crisis preparedness and in total defense. But the municipalities must be given better conditions to be able to take that responsibility. More money is needed, but also better support and reduced bureaucracy.

The government's initiatives regarding municipal capacity within civil defense are very good, but it will not be enough. The municipal preparedness needs to be further strengthened, and it cannot wait.

Centerpartiet therefore considers that an additional 50 million kronor should be allocated for better municipal preparedness already for the year 2025 so that the municipalities can hire more people with preparedness competence, and conduct more exercises and training with officials, politicians, and civil society organizations to further develop the work in more areas within the municipalities.

Madam Speaker! I also want to say a few things about the support for Ukraine and the Jas Gripen. The Centre Party has, in its motions to this Riksdag session, submitted proposals that Sweden must begin preparing to be able to send Jas Gripen to Ukraine.

It is something that the Center Party has said for a long time. We pushed for it in the Defense Preparation Committee, where we also had a dissenting opinion. The Center Party believes that more must be done to prepare and train in order to be able to send Jas as soon as it is possible. If we are prepared and have everything in place, it will also be easier for Ukraine.

Madam Speaker! I intended to mention a few words about the budget as a whole and another budget area that is not ours. In the Center Party's budget motion for 2025, we add more money to study associations, folk education, and to general community centers, such as village halls and Folkets Hus and Parker and Våra Gårdar.

Why do I bring this up in our budget debate? Well, community centers and adult education are an important part of strengthening the total defense capability in the entire country, and that is what is needed right now. Adult education reaches amounts of people daily through study circles and public gatherings. They might take place in a village hall.

Madam Speaker! In about a week and a half, we will stand here again to debate the bill Total Defence 2025–2030. At that time, I will provide a more in-depth picture of what the Centre Party considers regarding the long-term build-up of the total defence and how we want it to look moving forward.

Madam Speaker! As I began by saying, I want to refer to our special statement. We also have a reservation regarding the Jas Gripen to Ukraine. It is reservation 2, which I move for approval.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Anna Starbrink (L)

Madam Speaker! Soon we will leave the year 2024 behind. It has been a dramatic year in the world. The war continues in Europe, in our immediate vicinity, with terrible consequences for the Ukrainian people. It is a horrific development in the Middle East after Hamas' bloody attack against Israel in the autumn of 2023. Hostages are still being held captive, and the suffering in Gaza is indescribable, to mention just two examples. In addition to hitting the people on the ground hard, it also affects Sweden.

The year 2024 also became the year of a security policy epochal shift for our country. Despite the previous government's stubborn opposition, we are now finally members of Nato. This means that despite the serious security policy situation, we are in a safer position than before.

We have become one of the allies in Nato. No organization has contributed to peace and security in the world as much as Nato. Countries that cooperate to mutually strengthen each other's security and deter potential attackers have proven to function well during Nato's history.

It is a great security for Sweden that we have taken the step into Nato, and it is at the same time a strength for Nato to have Sweden as an ally. Our geographical location, our high-tech defense, and much more are important contributions to the common defense cooperation.

Now we are covered by NATO's mutual security guarantees. NATO's ability to both deter attackers and defend the allies' territory is crucial for our security. At the same time, it commits us. We cannot only expect help from our good friends. We must also strengthen our own defense and be prepared to stand up when any ally is subjected to an attack.

A second important step during the year has been DCA, our agreement with the USA. A third and completely decisive security and defense policy measure is our strong support for Ukraine, whose defense of its freedom and its country Sweden contributes to in a large measure.

The Ukraine framework of 25 billion SEK over three years that Sweden established provides good conditions to continue our support for Ukraine's fight against Russia in the long term. The support shall continue as long as it is needed and also with as much as is needed. It is an expression of our solidarity and a way to increase our own security. I want to emphasize that we in the Liberals view our Ukraine framework as relatively elastic. It can be expanded.

Madam Speaker! I have looked back in my speech. But today's debate is not to be about the year that has passed, but about the budget for the time ahead. The upheavals and the decisions we have experienced during the year do, however, constitute the foundation for the future that we are now to shape.

The budget for 2025 marks an important start to the work of realizing the total defense decision which will soon be processed here in the chamber of the Riksdag. It means that we face a powerful expansion of both the military and the civil defense. The ambitions are high, and they are also matched by resource additions during next year and the years thereafter.

I want to emphasize the importance of the Riksdag's and the government's decisions being realized as intended and that we achieve results. This must occur within the allotted time and within the limits of the allocated funds available. It will be central to follow this carefully, while at the same time we must be prepared to supplement the decisions in line with developments, not least regarding NATO's capability goals which will be completed during 2025. Also, the developments in the USA and the incoming administration's direction may change Sweden's conditions, as well as naturally the developments in our own immediate vicinity.

The military defense is now being strengthened in all areas, and it is a strength that the parties in the Riksdag, just as we have heard here in today's debate, stand relatively close to each other when it comes to the direction for the defense's development.

With the proposed state budget for 2025, the total funds for military defense are increased by almost 13 billion kronor. It is a significant resource reinforcement which means that we will, by far, live up to Nato's guideline of 2 percent of GDP. The purpose is, of course, not just to make Nato happy but above all that we shall stand strong and well-equipped in a restless time.

The budget implies investments in all parts of the defense. I particularly want to point out the importance of ensuring staffing. Expanding the number of conscripts is a long-term task, just as we have heard from previous speakers here, and for 2025 the target is 8,000 conscripts. The goal of 10,000 professional officers is also judged to be achievable with the budget currently being discussed.

Madam Speaker! The civil defense shall also be developed and is therefore allocated a significant additional resource of a further 2 billion kronor in 2025. Just as for the military defense, there are plans for further powerful additions to strengthen the civil defense. We can therefore expect a historically large investment that underscores our strong prioritization of this area.

The development of civil defense is, however, taking place from a low level, and it must occur broadly. It concerns the protection of the state's transport infrastructure, including road facilities, rail yards, and airports, more robust energy supply, and civil duty within the electricity supply area. It concerns a strengthening of the digital infrastructure's security and reliability, the building up of a robust food preparedness, rescue services, and the protection of the civilian population through, among other things, the upgrading and modernization of various types of shelters. It also concerns strengthening the municipal rescue services' ability to operate under high alert. These are some of the necessary efforts required during the coming years.

Madam Speaker! We have a large and important task ahead of us. The budget that we are now debating makes Sweden safer and more resilient.

I vote in favor of the committee's proposal in the report.

(Applause)

In this speech, Gustaf Göthberg (M) agreed.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Emma Berginger (MP)

Madam Speaker! We are approaching three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The security situation in Europe remains serious. Hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, sabotage, and information influence are ongoing and occur with some regularity. The developments in the world are in many ways worrying. In the USA, an unpredictable president will soon take office. In the Middle East, bloody wars are ongoing and in Gaza a terrible humanitarian catastrophe. Yesterday, martial law was declared in South Korea, which was then withdrawn. These are just a few examples of a worrying development in the world.

Sweden has needed to adapt its security and defense policy, and right now the committee preparation of the bill that is the result of the latest Defense Commission's work is underway. Miljöpartiet has for several years stood behind a faster and more extensive buildup of the total defense - both the military and the civil defense - and stands primarily behind the commission's proposals. We want Sweden to strengthen its defense capability. At the same time, we want Sweden to continue to be a strong voice for democracy, peace, and human rights.

The upgrading of the total defense is important, but I still want to begin by emphasizing that it is of utmost importance that we continue to support Ukraine. It is a support that needs to be long-term and continue even after the war has ended. There is more that Europe can do in the form of economic and material support as well as expanded sanctions. At the same time, the pressure on the USA to continue to contribute must also increase even after President Trump has stepped down.

Madam Speaker! In addition to the investments in military defense, the government, based on the Defense Committee's proposal, is making a major investment in civil defense this year. It is necessary and welcome. The Green Party has for a long time argued that larger investments in civil defense were needed to achieve a balanced total defense. To be able to defend a country, in addition to a military defense, a civil defense is required that protects the population, ensures that society continues to function, and can support the military.

But as we have previously pointed out, the investment in civil defense is insufficient to meet the needs that MSB has mapped out. This applies to both this budget and the total defense bill, where civil defense is to stop growing in 2028 while the military defense is to continue to be developed. We want to see a total defense in balance, and then one part cannot be upgraded while the other part is allowed to lag behind.

Miljöpartiet therefore expands the framework in our budget proposal and makes additional investments beyond the government's budget for the year in areas we see as extra important to strengthen here and now within civil defense and crisis preparedness. Since we have a larger framework for defense than the government has, we have had to refrain from taking a position in the proceedings and refer to our special statement.

Miljöpartiet has a broad view of security. The threat landscape today is broad and complex, and both military and non-military and hybrid threats exist in parallel. We need to have a preparedness to meet both military threats as well as climate change, other natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, and so on. We therefore need to have a preparedness to withstand both crises and war - in the worst case at the same time.

We want to strengthen the work with preventive measures against landslides and other natural disasters with 500 million. When the climate changes, Sweden is affected in several different ways. The risk of landslides and erosion increases as the rains become heavier. We have been able to see this in other countries, for example Spain. Flooded cities, fires, droughts, destroyed crops and contaminated drinking water are some of the consequences that many Swedes will experience. In order for us not to be affected even more, the government must take action in climate policy and propose measures that are in parity with the seriousness of the climate crisis.

To increase supply capacity and be able to handle a situation with closed borders, it is crucial that Swedish agriculture can be operated without imports of fuels and inputs. We need to transition agriculture and the transport sector while simultaneously supporting research and innovation to make the food sector robust so that it can function even during extensive crises and wars. We therefore allocate 100 million kronor in addition to the government's investment in food preparedness and double the research grant to FOI to a total of 8 million kronor.

Much of the socially important activities are carried out by municipalities and regions, and they constitute an important component in the work with crisis preparedness and civil defense. The Government promises targeted measures to both municipalities and regions, but the money will not be enough, not least due to the already strained situation of the municipalities and regions. We therefore add an additional 30 million kronor to the regions and 60 million kronor to the municipalities in our budget alternative.

To secure the rescue services' access to equipment in order to better be able to operate during high alert, we are allocating 50 million kronor.

For the voluntary defense organizations, which are important for Sweden's crisis preparedness and civil defense, we are allocating an additional 12 million kronor on top of the government's investment.

MSB also receives a new assignment to coordinate and clarify the cooperation between the rescue services and various non-profit actors. For this, we are allocating 8 million kronor.

Cyberattacks are ongoing from several different actors. There is a great need here to strengthen the work within the public administration, towards private actors as well as for society-critical activities and for private individuals. Therefore, we are allocating an additional 100 million kronor beyond the government's investment for this purpose.

Finally, Miljöpartiet wants a national strategy for strengthened resilience against disinformation and propaganda to be developed, so that media and information literacy can be strengthened. The strategy will require cooperation between a number of agencies, but we allocate 5 million kronor each to MSB and the Authority for Psychological Defence to start and coordinate the work. This effort is incredibly important to be able to handle the threats against democracy.

Madam Speaker! As we now carry out major investments in a reconstruction of the defense, it is important to specifically invest in the personnel, who are the Armed Forces' most important resource. This applies to both professional officers as well as continuously and temporarily employed soldiers and sailors, and not least conscripts.

In order for them to be able to perform in the best possible way, good conditions must be ensured. It can be read in the budget bill that there are challenges in the work of implementing the direction in the equality work. The agency's employee survey shows that the Armed Forces are not considered to be a qualitatively equal workplace. Reports are still made of violations, sexual harassment, and unauthorized reprisals. It is particularly important that the agency takes decisive action against those types of behaviors now that it faces strong growth, so that a culture is not created where unwanted behaviors are accepted.

Madam Speaker! In the budget bill, the government asks the Riksdag to authorize the government to enter into an agreement with Thailand regarding the sale of up to twelve Jas 39 E/F aircraft as well as associated air defense systems. We in Miljöpartiet oppose this. The shaky democratic development in the country and the repeated failures to uphold human freedoms and rights are extensive and far-reaching. For several decades, the country has been characterized by political instability, military coups, and armed conflicts. We believe that it should not be compatible with Swedish legislation to approve such a deal. Our legislation is restrictive when it comes to exports to countries with these problems. We want to particularly emphasize this in this debate.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Sara-Lena Bjälkö (SD)

Madam Speaker! Lars Wistedt is so missed by so many of us. He meant incredibly much to us party comrades, but also to many others far beyond party boundaries and in authorities.

Madam Speaker! It is extra heavy for me today to speak before you. Rest in peace, Lars. There are many of us who are thinking of you.

Madam Speaker! Much fine has been said here about the budget, and I want to begin by moving for the approval of the committee's proposal for a decision in report FöU1 Expenditure Area 6 Defence and society's crisis preparedness.

I shall touch upon the area of society's crisis preparedness. Today we face a reality where war and conflicts in our global environment remind us of how quickly the situation can change.

Civilians are often the primary victims, and this makes civil defense a crucial part of Sweden's total defense. Civil defense is about protecting our citizens and maintaining societal functions in the event of a crisis or war. It includes supply preparedness, protection for citizens, healthcare, communications, and basic economic functionality.

Madam Speaker! Civil defense and crisis preparedness are therefore based on everything from supply readiness and healthcare to communications and economic stability. This means that municipalities, regions, and county administrative boards have a great responsibility. They must, for example, ensure that school meals are served, that elderly care homes have electricity, and that preschools know how to act during an aircraft alert.

Mr. Speaker, this requires resources. The economic question is central, which many here in the chamber have spoken about today. Shall the state bear the costs, or shall we look at other solutions - perhaps inspired by Finland? Regardless of the model, close cooperation between the state and the business sector will be required to finance and build a robust civil defense and crisis preparedness.

We already see that the experiences from Ukraine have accelerated Sweden's work with rebuilding the civil defense. But more is needed.

In order for our municipalities and regions to be able to do their jobs, clearer directives, better conditions and more exercises are required. Citizens must know what to do when the alarm sounds. Their safety and survival depend on this.

In summary, it can be specified that the actor who is responsible for an activity in peacetime also takes responsibility in the event of a crisis or war. The management of events from crisis and war also proceeds from the assumption that these are managed by the party most directly responsible.

Finally, the principle of equality means that an activity should function as normally as possible during a crisis, but also that any changes must not go too far. This means concretely that municipalities, regions, and county administrative boards are responsible for the basic crisis preparedness work in peacetime.

Madam Speaker! I also want to touch upon and praise our voluntary organizations, which are an invaluable resource for us. They need more support and resources to be able to contribute to the total defense. They can assist the Armed Forces with training, reinforce civil efforts within transport and food supply, and strengthen the will to defend in society.

Even state authorities must take their responsibility. Authorities such as Trafikverket and Livsmedelsverket must have a total defense perspective in their operations. This includes everything from avoiding shutdowns of critical infrastructure to planning road construction with the total defense in mind.

Madam Speaker! We must not turn a blind eye to the costs. It did not take long to dismantle our civil defense, but it will take time and resources to build it up again. And time is short. We must act now.

The reconstruction of civil defense is, of course, in full swing, and given the experiences from Ukraine, one cannot overemphasize the importance of exercise, preparation, and priorities at the municipal and regional levels. The safety and survival of citizens in a war situation depend on everyone knowing what to do if the alarm sounds.

Defense and society's crisis preparedness

Therefore, Madam Speaker, we hope that the work out in the municipalities and regions can be accelerated and facilitated. I am, however, hopeful. All parties here in the chamber agree on the importance of strengthening our total defense.

We also see a unity in the support for Ukraine and the will to fight for freedom and security in Europe.

Madam Speaker! Our work is not finished, but together we can strengthen Sweden's preparedness and ensure that our society stands strong - in peace, in crisis, and in war.

(Applause)

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(Decisions were made under § 14.)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)