Question Time

FÖRSTE VICE TALMANNEN

I would like to welcome the ministers. Questions will be answered today by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, Minister Lotta Edholm, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren.

A question must be of an overarching and general political nature or concern a subject that falls within the minister's area of responsibility and relates to his performance of duties. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström answers both general political questions and questions within his own area of responsibility.

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Lena Hallengren (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Foreign Minister Tobias Billström.

High prices for gasoline, diesel, and electricity are a significant burden for many Swedes. Families with children, pensioners, and many others are now struggling to make the household finances work. Putin prices and Russia's energy war against Europe hit Swedish households hard.

At the same time, we must not let price pressure divide us, neither between communities nor within communities. On that, we Social Democrats are rock solid. We must do what we can to cushion this blow and to hold together. I hope that the Foreign Minister and I are in agreement on that.

That is why I become concerned when the government, which in theory is led by Moderates but in practice is led by Jimmie Åkesson, now breaks its promises to ordinary people. Kristersson, Busch, and Åkesson promised most solemnly that the high-cost protection would be in place by November 1. They did not want to be held back by any obstacles. The price of gasoline and diesel was also to be lowered - by 10 kronor if you asked Jimmie Åkesson, by 5 kronor if you asked Ulf Kristersson and Elisabeth Svantesson.

Now we have the answer key. The voters were misled. Which other promises will be broken?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! The electricity bills are naturally a matter of great concern for many Swedes right now. Getting the high-cost protection in place is this government's first task. We immediately initiated a dialogue with Svenska kraftnät to be able to receive an earlier notification regarding the design of the high-cost protection than November 15, the deadline that the previous government – in which Lena Hallengren was a member – set.

All those involved are working hard to soon be able to inform all Swedish households and companies about how much money one can receive and when, so that everyone can plan their finances.

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Lena Hallengren (S)

Mr. Speaker! We do, after all, have a final result. The voters were misled. The voters did not ask for deadlines. They did not ask for models. They asked for compensation. It became a model, and Ebba Busch shall return. Regarding the reduction of 10 kronor on diesel, it did not even become 1 krona. It is not showing respect for ordinary people.

My question to Tobias Billström remains. How long will ordinary people have to wait for your politics to come together?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! As I said just now, we assess that electricity bills are one of the issues that ordinary Swedish citizens currently view with the greatest seriousness. We will continue the aforementioned dialogue with Svenska kraftnät to find out how early a notification regarding the design of a high-cost protection can be provided, i.e., earlier than November 15 - a deadline that the previous government had set.

This work is in full swing in the Government Offices. I can assure the Chamber that we will take this task very seriously from the government's side. Electricity costs are something that many citizens feel strongly about.

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Ludvig Aspling (SD)

Mr. Speaker! The so-called Western Balkan route has during the year once again become a highway for irregular migration. So far, over 100,000 people have been allowed to walk into the EU to seek asylum, even though the vast majority are economic migrants who lack grounds for asylum and even though they have passed a large number of safe countries along the way.

Part of the problem is that the candidate country Serbia distributes visas in a rather generous way to people who want to travel there and then enter the EU. When other countries in our neighboring area have done similar things, many in this chamber have used quite strong words to describe the situation.

Tobias Billström will meet his colleagues in the council this November. I want to ask him what Sweden will then highlight as the most important measure to strengthen our resilience in this regard.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! This is a question that falls more on the desk of Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergård. I can, however, assure you that to the extent the question is raised in the Council, I will raise the views we have, which naturally are that all countries should work to combat illegal migration and work towards good cooperation with the EU, the EU's member states, and the EU's institutions in the area. This applies in particular to Frontex, but it can also apply to Europol when it comes to working against illegal migration. It is a clear message from the government in that regard.

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Ludvig Aspling (SD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you very much for the answer.

During the eight years that have passed, we have been forced to witness a rather embarrassing lack of interest from the government regarding these issues. I look forward to a new mandate period where Sweden can hopefully become a voice for common sense and clear thinking.

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Daniel Riazat (V)

Mr. Speaker! Despite the fact that 80 percent of Sweden's population want to abolish the market school, Sweden is the world's only country where anyone can start a privately owned school, receive full tax funding, and at the same time contribute to segregation - and as a reward for this also take out multi-million amounts in profit.

For six of the parties in the Riksdag, there are strong links to these welfare thieves, who profit from our tax funds. In 2014, Svältens förskola, called Hälsans förskola in bourgeois circles, drew attention. While the owners took out over 8 million in profit, the children were fed crispbread and water. School Minister Lotta Edholm knows this company very well because until the day the Sverigedemokraterna appointed her as school minister, she was a member of this school group's board and had a large shareholding.

How can the voters trust that our school minister will ensure that the people's voice to abolish the market school is followed and not represent the interests of the market?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! It feels very exciting to stand here for the first time. I also thank you for the question. However, I am under a KU-reporting restriction in this matter and therefore may not answer any questions regarding this now. But it will come later.

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Daniel Riazat (V)

Mr. Speaker! Even though the Minister for Education is now reported to the KU for this – rightly so – she can still answer the question of what policy she intends to pursue when it comes to the marketization of the school system. As the world's only country, we are throwing away our tax funds, at the expense of children and students, so that certain private companies can enrich themselves. The majority of these do not even have their accounts in Sweden but in Luxembourg and other countries.

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I choose not to answer this question now, out of consideration for the treatment that will take place in the Committee on the Constitution in due course.

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Alireza Akhondi (C)

Mr. Speaker! I want to begin by congratulating Tobias Billström on the trust to be Sweden's foremost representative in foreign policy. It is a trust that carries an obligation. Sweden's clear and self-evident voice for human rights, for freedom, for equality, and for the rights of the weak is a heavy responsibility that rests on the Minister's shoulders.

41 days ago, the spark was ignited that has engaged people across all of Iran. Jina Mahsa Amini was murdered in cold blood by the Iranian morality police. It was yet another murder, yet another victim of tyranny's ugly face. Time and again, we have failed them and left them alone in their struggle for everything that we take for granted, everything that has built Sweden strong. But now our patience is exhausted. The victims are piled high, families lose their loved ones, people of flesh and blood: Mahsa, Nika, Sarina, Hajar, Mehdi, Reza, Saeed, Parsa and Hadis.

There are over 100,000 people with Iranian roots living in Sweden. What is the government doing to ensure that their voices are heard?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Alireza Akhondi for the warm words!

The Government strongly condemns the Iranian authorities' violence against peaceful demonstrators. Sweden and other EU countries have expressed clear support for the Iranians, not least the women, who are now peacefully demonstrating for their human rights.

On October 17, the European Union decided on sanctions against persons responsible for this violence directed against protesters. Together with other EU countries, we in the Swedish government and Sweden continuously review the tools available to counter any continued excessive violence from the Iranian authorities.

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Alireza Akhondi (C)

Mr. Speaker! I would like to thank Tobias Billström. Time is short.

In light of what I mentioned in my question, I want to mention that there is a group of asylum seekers who have ended up in an acute predicament due to the revolution of the oppressed and the women in Iran. They are being deported even though all deportations should reasonably be frozen for the time being.

What does the government intend to do regarding the country descriptions that UD is responsible for and which form the basis for considering obstacles to enforcement in the application of the deportations? Will Tobias Billström act actively and promptly to ensure that people who risk death are not deported to Iran?

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I believe the questioner is well aware that the government may not act in individual cases. I know, after having been the country's Minister for Migration for eight years, very well where that line is drawn.

However, I can say that we will, of course, always stand up for legally secure trials. This takes place within the framework of the system that exists with migration courts in Sweden.

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Camilla Hansén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! A large proportion of Sweden's parents of children in school do not think that profit distribution should be allowed within tax-funded school. SVT's election poll shows that voters from all parties agree with these parents.

Education Minister Lotta Edholm is to produce a new private school law where the profits of the principals are limited to some extent for new actors, but where the profit ban, which Sweden's parents and voters show enormous support for, is ignored. This means that the government allows the hunt for profit to be the goal for the large school corporations when it should be the hunt for knowledge.

My question is what mandate the government thinks it has to promote the interests of the large friskolor when the Swedish people have clearly expressed that profit as a driving force in schools is wrong.

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! As I told the previous questioner, I will not comment on these questions as long as there is a submission in the Committee on the Constitution that has not been addressed.

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Camilla Hansén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! With all due respect, we cannot have it this way. One of the Riksdag's oversight tools, namely a KU report, cannot be used as an argument for not respecting another of the Riksdag's oversight tools, namely the possibility of asking questions to ministers every Thursday.

Is there anything regarding the Liberals' and the government's school policy that we will be able to ask about until June next year, when KU has finished its handling?

(Applause)

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I have great respect for the Committee on the Constitution. I therefore choose not to comment on this as long as I have received that advice.

(Applause)

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Lars Püss (M)

Mr. Speaker! I personally found it very pleasing to hear the Prime Minister's government statement last week, especially when the Prime Minister spoke about the change that is now taking place in the defense area. There, we will move from having a defense department with one minister to having a total defense department with a defense minister and a minister for civil defense. This is pleasing, especially because the development regarding civil defense has not kept pace with the development of the military defense.

I would like to ask a question to the Minister for Defence. I suspect that quite a few among us are wondering what actual changes this will entail in relation to the previous government's distribution of responsibilities. I also wonder what the objective of this new order is.

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Lars Püss, for the question! It is pressing.

The government took note of what was revealed in the Defence Committee's report Resilience. There, it pointed out the risk that the civil and military defense would fall out of sync if they were divided into two departments. That has de facto also been the case.

The big problem if civil defense does not deliver is that it will affect the military defense. Today, the Armed Forces are dependent on transport, communications, food, and healthcare from civil society. It is therefore very important that civil defense functions so that the military investments, which are significant, will yield results.

The advantage of having this under a joint department is precisely to be able to have a common total defense planning. The strength in that solution is also that one gets a minister who can work with and drive the issues regarding civil defense on a full-time basis. This is no longer a side task, as it was when it was under the responsibility of the minister at the Ministry of Justice.

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Lars Püss (M)

Mr. Speaker! The previous government initiated work to strengthen civil defense. Among other things, six civil areas were established, each led by a county administrative board. The Armed Forces, on the other hand, have divided Sweden into five military regions. Would it not be more reasonable for civil and military defense to have the same geographical division in order to more easily coordinate their activities?

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! It has also been the subject of a certain form of adaptation. I have had a dialogue with the Armed Forces. Certain areas are now being adapted, particularly regarding the central military area. But what Lars Püss says is completely correct: the leadership of civil defense and military defense must be linked in a common geographical whole.

Whether there will be more far-reaching changes regarding the division of the military regions we have to adapt to the civil areas is a question that I will refer to the Defence Committee, where we will conduct a larger review of the total defense.

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Hans Eklind (KD)

Mr. Speaker! During a very intense election campaign, the then party secretary for the Christian Democrats, Peter Kullgren, came to Sweden's most wolf-dense county, Örebro County, which is my home county. Then we talked about the importance of being allowed to conduct protection hunting on wolves.

The Riksdag has decided that Sweden, together with Norway, shall manage a wolf population of at most 230 individuals. It is estimated that there are currently 260 wolves in Sweden alone.

I therefore have a question for Peter Kullgren, who is now the Minister for Rural Affairs and now is responsible for the Swedish predator management. When will the government be able to deliver on the promises of a significantly reduced wolf population here in Sweden?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Hans Eklind for the question. We have taken office relatively recently, as you know, so it will take a little more time.

Decisions have been made regarding next year's wolf hunt and the licenses. Usual calculations will be carried out by the authorities regarding the size of the wolf population we have. But what the member is getting at is correct—the Riksdag has on several occasions been clear that it wants to see a reduced wolf population. It is about how large it should be and what intervals it should be. Most recently, it was a question of a clear range. It is expressed that the wolf population should be between 170 and 270 wolves and that it should be in the lower part of the interval. Additionally, the conditions for cooperation with Norway on those issues shall be investigated.

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Hans Eklind (KD)

Mr. Speaker! When the Minister was in Örebro, we had the opportunity to meet the chairperson of Svenska Fåravelsförbundet. She highlighted the discomfort people feel and a number of the problems they have with the wolf. One question she raised was that predator-deterrent fences, RAS, were needed. Even though many of the wolf attacks that have occurred in recent years have been carried out by so-called wandering wolves, it is the case that those who are to receive grants must live in an existing wolf territory area. Does the Minister believe that this needs to be reviewed?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I believe it is difficult for all those who do not live from animal husbandry to understand what kind of pressure it can be and what it is like to see parts of one's herd be killed or attacked by wolves. It is of course so that predator-deterrent fences are important.

There is no general prohibition stating that one must be in a wolf territory to receive these fences. However, resources are limited, and it must be the probability that determines whether one receives resources or not. But there is probably reason to look at this in the future.

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Fredrik Malm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I have a question for Foreign Minister Tobias Billström.

It has now been 41 days since the great uprising in Iran started as a result of the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini. We see in practice that Iran could be heading towards a new revolution. It is a completely different situation in Iran today than it was before these protests began.

We also see how the regime suppresses the protests with ruthless brutality. They shoot directly into crowds, torture people mercilessly and use every tool in their toolbox to subdue the Iranian population.

Germany has very recently announced that it will change and revise its Iran policy and adopt a significantly tougher line towards the Iranian regime. It will introduce harsher sanctions, even against family members of those responsible, and in other ways increase the pressure on the regime in Tehran.

What does Sweden intend to do? It is now high time that we change our Iran policy.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I share Fredrik Malm's complete dismay at the scenes unfolding in Iran. It is clear that we on the government's side take this most seriously and condemn the Iranian authorities' violence against these peaceful protesters, a violence we can see in the media.

We make the assessment that it is within the framework of the European Union that Sweden has the best conditions to express this indignation. There we can also hold discussions with other EU member states regarding what further measures may potentially become necessary beyond the sanctions already decided on October 17. I look forward to discussing this with my colleagues at the next Foreign Affairs Council.

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Fredrik Malm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs very much for the answer. It is quite true – together with all our friends in the European Union, the voice and the actions will naturally become stronger.

But there are also aspects where Sweden as an individual country has some problems towards Iran purely bilaterally, for example with extensive espionage in the country. Threats and harassment against Iranians living here can occur and so on. It is therefore also important for Sweden's part that we change our Iran policy.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Just as Fredrik Malm says, there is reason to consider this development, which we have seen over several years. It concerns, for example, what we call refugee espionage, espionage against citizens with a background in Iran who are located in Sweden. We take it very seriously. All those aspects will be included in the conversations that we will need to have. This is something that other member states also experience to varying degrees. The issue will be monitored from the government's side.

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Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister of Defence Pål Jonson.

You had an election promise of 2 percent of GDP for defense expenditures in 2025. I already considered at that time that you did not have a proper basis for that promise. Now it is 2026 that applies. What basis do you have for that? The Armed Forces present their report on November 1. We have a situation with increased inflation and decreased purchasing power. There is high pressure in material production all around Europe, which drives up prices, and we have an uncertainty regarding the GDP development. How are you going to handle all these question marks? Is it reasonable to certainly lock in 2026 as the target before we have seen the Armed Forces' statement and before this has been processed in the Defense Preparation Board?

These are difficult questions. I know it from my own deeply personal experience. How have you intended this? Is it wise to lock the language [mållåsa] with absolute certainty?

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the Minister for Defence - no, excuse me! It was a conditioned reflex. I thank Peter Hultqvist with all due respect for the question.

(Applause)

We have said that the target is 2 percent by 2026. In the spring, we received a basis from the Armed Forces. There, they spoke of 2 percent by 2028. The deficiency in that basis that we received from the Armed Forces was that it was based on Sweden being militarily neutral. The basis for dimensioning has now changed in light of the fact that we are to become allied.

Our assessment is that it will cost to become members of Nato. Partly, it is because Nato has an expectation that the allies shall reach 2 percent of GDP by 2026, and partly, there will naturally be a cost for sending closer to 200 officers to Nato's command structures. Therefore, we take into account that we will need to move faster when we are to produce a basis for a direction for defense expenditures.

Then this will, of course, be subject to discussion in the Defence Preparation Committee. We look forward to being able to find a broad political agreement on the issue within the framework of the Defence Preparation Committee.

(Applause)

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Pontus Andersson (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren.

On 2 May 2018, the Riksdag, with the support of the Sverigedemokraterna, passed a motion to the then government regarding the possibility of conducting farm sales of alcohol in Sweden. An investigation into farm sales has been conducted. It was released in 2021 and concluded that farm sales of alcohol should be allowed, albeit in a somewhat more limited scope than what I and many others hope for.

It has now been almost five years since the Riksdag's announcement and almost a year since the investigation was completed. But the then Social Democratic government chose not to proceed with the issue. My question to the Minister for Rural Affairs is: Will the new government during the mandate period enable the sale of alcohol on farms?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you very much for the question. This is a question that has been discussed for a long time. The announcements that have been made have also evaluated the alcohol monopoly that exists in Sweden. Now we have an investigation that has been presented. The information I can give today is that this will be processed in the Government Offices according to standard procedures. Hopefully, we will be able to return as soon as possible, as with many other things.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! Jina Amini, Nika Shakarami and Sarina Esmailzadeh are three young women who have forever written themselves into the history books for their brave struggle against the Iranian regime. For over 40 days, the Iranian people have demonstrated and resisted one of the world's most authoritarian regimes in Iran.

In February 2017, the then Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs' representative Ann Linde, made a very controversial trip to Iran. From the trip, they brought home five signed agreements on cooperation between the democracy Sweden and the totalitarian Iran.

I wonder if the new Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, like the women in Iran who cut off their hair in protest against the regime, is prepared to resign and cut off the agreements with the Iranian regime.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! It might not be the hair, since there isn't much to cut off. That is said with the risk of being facetious in a matter of very great seriousness.

No, we actually have to look at the situation on the ground. The women and the young girls who are demonstrating in Iran deserve a great deal of respect. From the government's side, we condemn the violence that is being perpetrated against them in all parts.

As I said earlier, the important question for us from the government's side is how we view what can be done within the framework of the European Union. We are always ready to reassess bilateral relations with different states depending on the developments.

But we must also do it concertedly and consider how the other EU member states view the developments. Therefore, I want to see how the discussions will take place at the next foreign affairs council before I make a definitive statement on these issues.

(Applause)

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Helena Vilhelmsson (C)

Mr. Speaker! "Swedish forestry is central to Swedish climate work. The growing forest is crucial for biodiversity. The Government will wholeheartedly stand up for a sustainable Swedish forestry, with care for future generations. The protection of property rights shall be strengthened within certain areas."

This is a quote from the government statement, which is pleasing. Unfortunately, there is not much more to be gained in either the Tidö Agreement or the government statement regarding the investment or what is meant by the investment in forestry or the countryside, despite this being an election campaign where everyone spoke about the countryside, which is pleasing.

On the other hand, some proposals can be seen as complicating matters. This concerns hindered labor immigration. It contributes 34 billion SEK to GDP and 12 billion SEK in tax revenues. Last year, over 20,000 work permits were granted, where a quarter consisted of seasonal work within forestry.

My question to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren is: Tackling fraud and the exploitation of labor is good, but is it best achieved by targeting those who come here and work, rather than focusing on the companies that commit the fraud?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Helena Vilhelmsson, for the question!

Forestry is truly central to Swedish basic industry. It is an enormous carbon sink that allows us to contribute to reducing emissions and capturing carbon dioxide in a way that many other European countries cannot.

I am very pleased that we in the Tidö Agreement and in the government statement have mentioned the forest as an important part of our base industry for continued development. Forestry will be an important part for us for the foreseeable future.

How all parts of the Tidö Agreement and the government's statement need to be implemented, we need a few more days to accurately return to than the eight or nine days we have now been in power.

I hope, however, that we together with the Centre Party, which I know is deeply engaged in agricultural issues, forestry issues and so on, will be able to have a good cooperation moving forward.

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Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Foreign Minister Billström.

Both he and the Prime Minister have been very clear that the government intends to fulfill the tripartite agreement between Sweden, Turkey and Finland. The Foreign Minister has also clearly stated that he considers Turkey to be a democracy.

According to documentation from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, respect for human rights, democracy, and the principles of the rule of law is being continuously eroded in Turkey. The negative development continues regarding freedom of expression, press, and information with harassment of a legal nature, deprivation of liberty, as well as threats and violence against journalists. Turkey is classified as "not free" according to the Freedom House Index and receives only 32 out of 100 possible points regarding human freedoms and rights.

How then can Foreign Minister Billström define Turkey as a democracy when Turkey exhibits such serious democratic deficiencies? How will the government ensure that the fulfillment of the tripartite agreement will not hinder Sweden's ability to be a strong voice for democracy and human rights?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Yes, Turkey is a democracy. Turkey is a state that has free elections and where the government has come to power in a legal manner.

At the same time as I say this, I have never been in doubt about the fact that the European Union has also expressed concern in unison over the developments regarding human rights, where there have been serious and authoritarian elements.

The development regarding human rights is something we follow closely. Turkey is, of course, also well aware of this.

(Applause)

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Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! I have a question for Defense Minister Pål Jonson regarding the National Security Council.

In the Prime Minister's government statement, it was announced that a national security council would be established. It is very good that security issues and our ability to handle the increasing threat that we nevertheless see in our global environment with cyberattacks, sabotaged cables, and influence campaigns against Sweden are being taken seriously.

The previous government had a security policy council that handled important security issues. What is the difference compared to the new security council? What other issues will be handled? Will it be worked on in some different way? The Minister could perhaps elaborate on that.

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Alexandra Anstrell, for the question!

Many of the threats, risks, and vulnerabilities that Sweden faces include, as Alexandra Anstrell touched upon, cyberattacks and disinformation. It can concern foreign direct investments or critical infrastructure. It can even be about an armed attack. An armed attack cannot be ruled out.

It is therefore very important that one can hold together many different policy areas. In that case, it is of value that there is a national security council directly under the Prime Minister. The big difference between the security policy council, which the previous government has had, and the proposal we now have for a national security council is that it shall also have a preparatory function. It shall have a standing staff and shall be able to hold together the entire Government Offices' crisis management work.

To this is also added the proposal that a new position as national security advisor shall be established. Sweden also needs a new national security strategy that can be both dimensioning and orienting for the activities of the authorities.

(Applause)

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Gudrun Brunegård (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The situation in Ukraine is incredibly tough both for the civilian population and for those who are defending their innocently attacked country. Russia's war of aggression is deliberately moving to destroy important infrastructure in order to increase the population's suffering. Both electricity and food shortages threaten ahead of the severe winter. Furthermore, there is a great shortage of medical supplies.

In the Tidö Agreement, it is spoken of increasing the aid to Ukraine. With respect for the fact that the government took office only a week ago, I would like to ask what thoughts the government has. On the EU side, there is more and more talk of a Marshall Plan for reconstruction. But what aid can we now concretely give acutely and in some longer term to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population and prevent the collapse of necessary infrastructure?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! This is an extremely urgent issue. I would say that, second only to our NATO membership application, it is the most important for the government in the foreign policy area. I will tell Gudrun Brunegård that the government prioritizes increased support for Ukraine.

If we look at what we have already given and decided since February, it represents a total value of 5.2 billion kronor. This includes, among other things, humanitarian aid of 1,175 million kronor, defense materiel and economic support for defense of 3.1 billion kronor, and not least reconstruction support of 170 million kronor.

In addition, support is provided via MSB and agency collaborations. We are considering more support to Ukraine and intend to return to this issue from the government's side. There are several different ministers who are involved in this issue, not least my colleague at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell.

(Applause)

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

Anna-Caren Sätherberg (S)

Mr. Speaker! Several of the parties belonging to the government base were very clear during the election campaign regarding fuel costs at the pump. It turned out to be more election rhetoric than government practice. During the election campaign, the Christian Democrats, for example, promised a reduction in price of 9 kronor per liter of diesel and 5 kronor per liter of gasoline. Today, part of the government base stated that it will only be 1 krona cheaper at the pump after the turn of the year.

Mr. Speaker! My question is directed to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren, whom I also, of course, congratulate on his appointment. How does the Minister for Rural Affairs think the Christian Democrats' election promise to rural residents regarding a 9 SEK reduction in the diesel price and a 5 SEK reduction in the gasoline price aligns with what we were told today, namely that they are to be reduced by 1 SEK at the turn of the year?

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

Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Member of Parliament, for the question! I am taking over from you as Minister for Rural Affairs in Sweden. There is a lot of good stuff going on - good things that we will, of course, continue with and others that we will change the direction of. That was my thanks.

We have just taken office and have not presented our budget yet. But one thing that I am sure the Member of Parliament has also noted is that we will realize what several of the parties that are now part of the government or the government base spoke about during the election campaign: We will lower the reduction obligation. It is something that will be to the benefit of people who have no alternative to the car as long as we cannot produce biofuels in such a way that it does not increase costs.

(Applause)

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

Markus Wiechel (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Many of us are pleased that we have a new government in Sweden. Not least in foreign policy, we have seen how the Social Democrats in government have distinguished themselves by being lame. We have seen how one has almost turned a blind eye to the oppression in Iran and fawned over its leaders.

Against this background, there have also been various demands to, for example, designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, recall embassy staff and summon the Iranian ambassador - alternatively, introduce tougher national sanctions.

Not least now, when a peaceful, long-awaited revolution is underway in Iran, I wish for the new Minister for Foreign Affairs to answer the question: What concrete measures will the government take to show that this government stands on the side of the Iranian people in the struggle against the oppressive regime?

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

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! As I have said earlier during this question period, the government is very careful to strongly condemn what is now taking place in Iran. We should in every way possible provide support to the fighting groups of women and girls who are out on the streets and trying to achieve a change of the regime away from the authoritarian rule that the mullahs have maintained.

Sweden and other EU countries have expressed clear support in this issue, but as I said earlier in the answer to another question, I will want to see a discussion take place within the circle of EU member states in order to exert as much pressure as possible.

Alone is not strong in foreign policy. It is good if one has friends and colleagues who think alike, and I would like to hear what my friends and colleagues think in the circle of foreign ministers when we meet at the next Council of Foreign Ministers.

(Applause)

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

Kajsa Fredholm (V)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Rural Affairs. Sweden is rapidly heading into a recession. The energy crisis, high inflation, rising interest rates, and challenging skills shortages will particularly expose many small rural municipalities that already today struggle to maintain a good quality of welfare services and service to their residents.

These are municipalities that will be necessary in the transition we face, given the raw materials - and the processing of these - and the sustainable energy that needs to be produced. My question is: How does the Minister for Rural Affairs view what I have just mentioned from his area?

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

Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Kajsa Fredholm for the question. That the whole country should function is naturally extremely important for most in this chamber, I believe, and also for the government.

Even though there is no single part in the Tidö Agreement that points to the countryside – it will come, rest assured – there are still a lot of things that aim precisely at making it work better in the whole country. One such area is healthcare, where we have seen deficiencies in rural municipalities or in remote areas. There we must review how we can increase the accessibility to such a basic thing as healthcare in the whole country.

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

Katarina Tolgfors (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question, which is addressed to Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, is as follows: What are the government's and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' priorities ahead of the upcoming EU presidency? I would be grateful if the Minister could say a few words about that.

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

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! This is an urgent matter. We are about to take over the presidency of the European Union, and the government will present Sweden's presidency program in December.

Given the developments in the world around us, it is nevertheless clear that foreign policy will be central and that the union's support for Ukraine will be in focus for us as the chair of the union as a whole.

There is also, in connection with Katarina Tolgfors's question, other things that will be important and that are always important for us in Sweden: cooperation with our international partners, for example, and free trade likewise. But, as said, this is something that the government will return to with more consolidated information closer to the presidency.

(Applause)

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

Larry Söder (KD)

Mr. Speaker! We have heard quite a lot about Iran and the situation that prevails in Iran right now. I think it deserves a large space in this question period based on what we see. The list of systematic violations is very long: Women are forced to wear veils, people are imprisoned without trial, minorities are persecuted, and apostasy from Islam is severely punished.

In many different ways, we can say that this is something that we as the Swedish state need to react to. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said that he wants to do this jointly with the EU countries. Therefore, my question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is: What assessment does the Minister for Foreign Affairs make regarding the ability to get the EU circle on board for further sanctions, and does the Swedish government also want to push for a terrorist classification of the revolutionary council?

(Applause)

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

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I share Larry Söder's agitation, and I have great understanding for the fact that many questions are being asked in the chamber today regarding this. It is completely natural, not least given the large Iranian diaspora that we have in Sweden.

I would therefore like to emphasize that the reason why it is so important that we do this concertedly together with other EU member states is that we need to put as much pressure as possible on the Iranian government in these matters. We do this best when many member states speak with one and the same voice.

Question Time

Therefore, the answer to the question is that as soon as we know more about how the other member states stand on this, we naturally intend to take a clear position on these issues. We have our view clear from Sweden's side: sanctions are important and necessary, as was already decided on 17 October. Then we will see if further things can be done to put pressure on the Iranian government and put a stop to the excessive violence against protesters who are acting peacefully.

(Applause)

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

Linus Sköld (S)

Mr. Speaker! Just like several previous questioners, I have a question about the defective school market system. If the Minister refuses to answer questions about her policy, it is my opinion that she is failing in her performance of her duties, and in that case, we will have to let the KU investigate it.

When the Palace Agreement was presented, the Liberals' draft of the free school law was welcomed by the CEO of Academedia. It is clear that he sees how the free school law would guarantee continued dividends to the shareholders. How does the Minister for Education intend for the Palace Agreement, with continued school queues and profit withdrawals, to ensure that the tax money allocated to schools actually goes toward the students' education?

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

Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I am happy to answer that question. In the agreement, there are a number of measures to ensure that the independent school sector functions in a better way. Among other things, we will provide additional directives to the investigation that has just been appointed to ensure that profits cannot be taken out during the first years. We will also ensure that there is a sanction ladder for those independent schools that do not behave.

On the other hand, we will also review the possibilities of establishing a national school fee, or what one should call it, which will of course also affect the independent school sector just as much as the municipal schools in Sweden.

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

Mats Nordberg (SD)

Mr. Speaker! The Riksdag rejected the previous government's bill on simplified coastal protection this spring. SD, M and KD voted against the bill, which we considered did not go far enough.

Attempts to ease the coastal protection act have also been made previously, but they have had little effect because there have been opportunities for authorities, especially county administrative boards, to interpret the regulatory framework in an overly restrictive direction. Therefore, a real coastal protection reform needs to be very clear. The Sweden Democrats have long worked for this.

Being able to offer beautiful environments for construction is a major competitive advantage for our rural municipalities, which they have not been able to fully take advantage of for far too long. We therefore want to achieve a new simplified coastal protection as soon as possible, and we know that this goal is shared by several parties both within and outside the government bloc. Therefore, my question to the Minister for Rural Affairs is: When can we expect a new and more efficient proposition on simplified coastal protection?

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

Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Question Time

Mr. Speaker! I thank the Member of Parliament for the question. Just now, the shoreline protection rules are on the Minister for the Environment's desk, but I note that it is an issue that has been discussed extensively in the Riksdag. But from the government's side, I can only state that we will have to return to this further ahead.

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

Jörgen Berglund (M)

Mr. Speaker! Sweden is in the most serious security situation since the Second World War. This means that the defense in Sweden must be reinforced, which is also happening. Among other things, a number of new weapons systems have been procured, and it is naturally the right thing to do.

But when it comes to the Armed Forces' personnel, there have recently been rather worrying signals that it is difficult to recruit and retain certain personnel categories. This concerns fighter pilots, technicians and continuously employed group commanders, sailors and soldiers.

If Swedish defense capability is to be strengthened, it is required that we have a well-functioning personnel policy. In this regard, I would like to ask: What measures does the Minister of Defence intend to take to ensure that the Armed Forces can have a well-functioning personnel supply?

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Jörgen Berglund, for the question! The Swedish Armed Forces' greatest asset is its personnel. I recognize the picture that Jörgen Berglund provides.

There are many expectations out there in the units. One hears that more money and more resources are coming, but at the same time, the units have it quite tough out there. Not least, it concerns soldiers on continuous service who are being pushed quite hard due to the readiness adjustments that we continuously make in the background of the worsened situation.

Personnel procurement is one of the Armed Forces' biggest challenges. At the same time, the Armed Forces are also to grow geographically here at home, with the re-establishment of five new regiments. We will also be sending nearly 200 officers to NATO's command structures.

I note at the same time that the ÖB's agenda from August 18 targets this issue and that the Armed Forces announced last week that they will review the pay levels for pilots, for sailors, and for soldiers. I welcome that initiative.

(Applause)

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

Rose-Marie Carlsson (S)

Mr. Speaker! I have a question for the Minister for Education. Previously, the Minister led an inquiry to get more children into preschool. One of the proposals was mandatory preschool from the age of five.

Now it didn't happen that way, but my question to the minister is: Does the minister stand by that we shall have compulsory preschool for everyone from five years, that is, extended school obligation?

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

Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! There are no such proposals, but I will return with proposals concerning the entire area of preschool. I think that one of the most important parts of school policy is to have a preschool where many children want to come and that maintains a good and high quality. I believe that it is also important for the results in school moving forward. But I intend, therefore, to return to the important preschool issues.

(Applause)

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

Eric Palmqvist (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Since the vehicle inspection was deregulated, the possibilities to have one's passenger car inspected have increased in parts of the country, while the situation has noticeably worsened in other places. In parts of the country, we see how the shortage of staff, particularly those who have authorization for vehicle types other than passenger cars, means that it is not possible to get one's vehicle inspected at all unless one is prepared to travel tens of miles for this. In some towns, the waiting times for all vehicle types are months long.

Individuals, municipalities, and companies are forced today to choose between defying driving bans and setting aside an entire day to have an inspection carried out elsewhere. It is not reasonable that something we require of Sweden's vehicle owners is not offered in an equivalent manner in all parts of the country. My question to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren is therefore: Does the Minister for Rural Affairs intend to take measures that remove the risk of being punished for vehicle owners who have done what they could? They should not be punished because it is not possible to comply with the law in certain places. And does the minister have any long-term plan for how the problem should be remedied?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Even though the question may not immediately relate to my area, I shall try to say something general about it.

It is clear that it is not good when service does not function. We need to look into this if it turns out that the control stations that exist for us to have safe vehicles and so on do not function. But otherwise, it is difficult for me to comment on this, and the question must be directed to other cabinet ministers who have exactly this in their area of responsibility.

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Magdalena Schröder (M)

Mr. Speaker! One of the government's most important tasks is to lead Sweden to become a full member of Nato. Swedish Nato membership will not only strengthen Sweden's security, but Sweden, as a member of Nato together with Finland, will contribute to increased security and freedom in all Nato countries. Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs tell us how the accession process and the path to full membership in Nato is progressing and what measures the government will take to accelerate the process?

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

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you very much for the question. Sweden has a long and close partnership with Nato and, as a partner country, has also contributed to all of Nato's global missions - Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.

The work we are now carrying out is naturally based on these experiences and the fact that Sweden will act in accordance with the obligations that follow from our membership, including NATO's nuclear doctrine. But we will also bring a number of very positive elements to NATO. We will contribute to NATO becoming a better military alliance.

The work is now progressing and being accelerated. It is happening in tandem with Finland in accordance with the trilateral memorandum that Sweden, Finland, and Turkey have signed. All conditions contained in this trilateral memorandum will, of course, be fulfilled. We look forward to being able to move towards a ratification in all Nato member states soon and finally be able to join the Washington Treaty and become full members of Nato during this government.

(Applause)

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

Lawen Redar (S)

Mr. Speaker! For over 40 days, the protests in Kurdistan, Baluchistan, and Iran have continued. Schoolgirls and university students are now protesting at the risk of their lives. Workers are striking, and Iran is reeling.

Jina Amini's fate has become the symbol of the Islamist dictatorship in Iran, but her fate is also the catalyst for the wave of protest of millions of people who are now manifesting against the oppression in Iran.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed in the government statement that Iran is a matter of concern for this government. Sanction decisions have been made by the EU, but the Iranian people need support here and now.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has expressed here today that one is prepared to take measures together with his EU ministerial colleagues, but my question is: Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs on his own initiative take his own initiatives to be proactive in providing support to the Iranian people?

(Applause)

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

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you very much for the question from Lawen Redar. I completely share the distress that many feel when they see the images being broadcast from Iran's cities and streets, where people, peaceful protesters, are subjected to this excessive violence. We take it with the utmost seriousness from the government's side.

At the same time, it must be said that alone is not strong. It is in a concerted handling of these issues within the framework of the European Union that we can put weight in the balance and influence the regime in Iran. We do not foresee from the government's side any quick end to the atrocities that we see unfolding in Iran and to this excessive violence. Therefore, it is important that we arm ourselves with patience in relation to working with the European Union as a tool regarding these issues. We must achieve a long-term change for the better when it comes to the situation for human rights and democracy in Iran. And that, as I said, we do best in cooperation with our colleagues within the European Union and as a member state in the EU.

(Applause)

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Lars Wistedt (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is directed to the Minister for Defence. Svenska kraftnät and representatives from the Swedish Energy Agency and, not least, the Swedish Security Service have highlighted an increased threat, particularly against our energy supply. At the same time, it is pointed out that the companies responsible for the energy supply should take more responsibility for their own security. This is hindered by a resource shortage. There is not enough trained personnel who have sufficiently good local knowledge.

Then my question to the Minister of Defence is: Can the Armed Forces in any way, for example through the voluntary defense, support the sectors that are most critical when it comes to our national energy supply? Has the Minister in any way considered, for example, reintroducing the operational defense, which was disbanded in 2004, and/or the emergency police?

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Försvarsministern Pål Jonson (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the question. Primarily, security clearance issues fall under the Security Service and the Minister for Justice. But I also received the question linked to the emergency police and the special emergency police. I can state that the Defence Preparation Board has proposed that it should be reintroduced. It is also something that we are reviewing and assessing right now.

When it comes to increased threats against critical infrastructure, the energy sector is an area that has been identified. There is also a rather extensive EU and NATO cooperation in this area which we will follow closely, I want to emphasize.

The risks, threats, and vulnerabilities regarding the energy system will increase. I can state that, for example, certain adaptations have been carried out linked to the Swedish nuclear power plants. If the Armed Forces can contribute to this work, I am open to it, but I have no concrete proposal at this moment.

(Applause)

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

Ann-Sofie Alm (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question is directed to Foreign Minister Tobias Billström. Finland's cause is our cause. That has been the case with our sister country in the east. That is also the case in our application to Nato, and so it will continue to be.

I am very proud of how we stick together in the Nordic region. It is very valuable, not least in the security policy situation that we actually find ourselves in right now.

In our shared immediate vicinity around the Baltic Sea also lie our like-minded friends Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. One could argue that these three are the most exposed countries in our community given their immediate proximity to Russia.

My question is: How does the government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs intend to develop relations with our three Baltic sister countries, with whom we share not only a common geographical space but also common values?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Ann-Sofie Alm for the question. This is quite correct. My first trip abroad as Minister for Foreign Affairs went to Finland. My second trip will go to Tallinn to mark precisely that change in Swedish foreign policy that we want from the government's side.

Close cooperation with our Baltic neighbors is a priority for the government. We share geography. We share interests. We share values. We are all members of the EU and hopefully soon also in Nato. It is therefore natural to broaden and deepen relations in both the foreign policy area and the security policy area regarding defense issues, regarding economy and trade, and regarding interpersonal contacts.

And, as I said, I have already had my first conversations with all my Baltic counterparts and plan to visit these countries as soon as possible.

(Applause)

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Kadir Kasirga (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Yesterday, thousands of people gathered across Iran to honor the memory of Jina Mahsa Amini. She was brutally murdered at the age of 22, 40 days ago, by the Iranian morality police because she had not covered her hair according to the hijab rules.

The murder of the Iranian Kurdish woman Jina has once again highlighted the Iranian regime's brutality and aroused strong disgust in the rest of the world. The women in Iran are determined to take control of their rights, even if it means doing so with their own lives at stake. They cry out jin, jiyan, azadi - which means woman, life, and freedom - in their struggle for justice and equality.

Mr. Speaker! Sweden has been very good as a country when it comes to accountability towards countries that have committed crimes against human rights. My question then is: Does the Foreign Minister intend to take initiative in this issue regarding crimes against human rights and hold Iran accountable?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Kadir Kasirga for the question. No words are strong enough to describe the agitation we feel when we see the bravery and courage of the protesters on the streets in Tehran and other cities around Iran.

Naturally, the government strongly condemns the Iranian authorities' violence against peaceful protesters. That is precisely why it is important that we, together with other member states in the European Union, engage in a dialogue about what additional measures can be implemented to influence the Iranian regime to refrain from violence against its own citizens and to allow free and peaceful demonstrations and also improve human rights in this country.

We intend to continue that discussion within the framework of the European Union, for it is there that we have the opportunity to jointly and concertedly advance our arguments with force and conviction.

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Boriana Åberg (M)

Mr. Speaker! During the October session, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution to accelerate the establishment of a special tribunal to hold the Russian Federation and its leadership accountable for the war against Ukraine and for all human rights violations that have been committed.

My question to Foreign Minister Tobias Billström is: What initiatives does the government intend to take to accelerate the establishment of a special tribunal?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thanks to Boriana Åberg for the question!

The government views positively initiatives that can effectively contribute to accountability, including at the highest level, for international crimes committed during Russia's aggression. The prohibition on aggression is one of the most central rules of international law, and that the ICC, namely the International Criminal Court, within the framework of the Ukraine investigation currently cannot prosecute for the crime of aggression is frustrating. Sweden therefore supports the initiative to establish an ad hoc tribunal or other mechanism with jurisdiction regarding the crime of aggression.

There are a number of questions that need to be analyzed before such a tribunal can be established. We need to look into that more closely. But the fact that there is broad international support is also central to being able to make this possible. We intend to monitor the issue closely from the Swedish government's side.

(Applause)

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Denis Begic (S)

Mr. Speaker! Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we have all been concerned about what the next step for the power-hungry regime in Russia might be. Both Russia and China have great economic influence in countries in the western Balkans, and that threatens stability not only in the Balkans but also in all of Europe.

To reduce the impact, it is important that countries in the Western Balkans feel that Europe stands behind them. Countries such as North Macedonia and Albania have done everything the EU has asked them to do. Yet, they are being blocked. When one is not admitted despite all the measures taken, it means that the people there lose confidence in the EU. It is not a good signal for countries that want to enter, for example, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Montenegro.

My concern lies in the fact that some of these are now approaching Russia and China instead of Europe. Therefore, I want to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs how he and the government view the situation in the Western Balkans and if he shares the concern I describe. Will the government actively work on the issue ahead of the presidency?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you to Denis Begic for the question!

The Government is following the developments in these countries very closely. We also think it is important that the processes currently underway, where the different states that have sought an approximation to the European Union are required to fulfill certain criteria and conditions, continue.

Before taking the chair, I foresee many interesting discussions regarding the questions of how the EU can maintain good relations with these states and also influence the development in them in a direction that will make it possible for them to approach the European Union.

These dialogues naturally take place in several different areas. Some of them I am responsible for as Foreign Minister with total responsibility in the government, others fall to other ministers, such as for example the Minister for Justice when it comes to RIF issues.

Therefore, I cannot today, here and now, provide a comprehensive answer to these questions, but it is quite right as Denis Begic says that this question will need to be seen in the light of the processes that will be available to us when we take over the chair in the European Union after the turn of the year.

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Azadeh Rojhan (S)

Mr. Speaker! I would like to begin by congratulating Tobias Billström on the appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have heard during today's question period that there are many who are engaging in the issue regarding Iran and the situation for the Iranian people. Not only has the Iranian people lived under oppression for over 40 years – now they also have to endure an extreme brutality from the Islamic regime on the grounds that they are out protesting and demanding freedom and want to be rid of the oppression they have lived under.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has on several occasions referred to the EU and said that it is within the framework of the EU that we can participate in pushing for a changed Iran policy and in some way hold Iran accountable for what is happening in the country now. I hope that the Minister for Foreign Affairs will stand by those words and push for a changed Iran policy. We would very much like to see such.

What is required for Sweden to be proactive specifically in ensuring that we get a different Iran policy? What is required for the Iranian regime to be held accountable for the oppression that has been ongoing for 40 years, but also for the acts they are committing today?

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I want to start by thanking Azadeh Rojhan for the question. No one can remain unmoved by the scenes unfolding in Iran. I have said this several times in this chamber, and I am very pleased with the mobilization that exists broadly across parliament for the sake of the Iranian people. It is something that also animates the government that I am a part of.

One must also look at the issue from the perspective I have mentioned earlier, namely that we must conduct this discussion jointly in the European Union. It is only there that we have the opportunity to exert such pressure on the Iranian regime so that we can both achieve a stop to the violence and realize a development where demonstrators are allowed to freely express their opinions and where the Iranian people, ultimately and finally, are allowed to freely decide their fate entirely according to the principles that we want to see applied when it also concerns other states.

My short answer is that we will monitor this issue within the framework of the European Union. I foresee a long discussion because there will not be any quick end to the developments in Iran that we can see.

(Applause)

Question time was hereby concluded.

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