Question Time

TREDJE VICE TALMANNEN

I would like to welcome the ministers. Questions will be answered today by Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand, Minister Jessika Roswall, Minister for Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed and Minister Johan Forssell.

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 concerns his/her performance of duties. The question shall therefore not concern, for example, conditions within political parties. Minister for Culture Parisa Liljestrand answers both general political questions and questions within her own area of responsibility.

Question Time

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Linnéa Wickman (S)

Madam Speaker! The shooting of two Swedes wearing their beautiful blue and yellow football jerseys in Brussels this week is another example of terror's heinous and meaningless violence. It is an attack on Sweden and our fundamental values. Our thoughts and our deep sympathy are, of course, with the victims and their relatives.

For several weeks now, we in Sweden have had an elevated terror threat level. In France, they have also raised the alert for new terror threats following the horrific murder of a teacher. We must work together within the EU in a long-term, intensive, and cross-border manner so that we can safely continue to move freely on our streets without constantly being afraid.

My question to the Minister for EU Affairs is therefore: How can we in the EU work together to reduce the breeding ground for religious and political terrorism?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank Linnéa Wickman for the question. That is exactly how it is. It is a terrible act. It is a tragedy. First and foremost, our thoughts go to those affected and their relatives. The Prime Minister participated yesterday in a memorial service in Brussels to honor the victims.

It is important to work together at the EU level to be able to solve this. It is not an attack just on Sweden, Belgium or France, but an attack on our open society. How do we then work together? There are many different ways that we use. Today, the ministers of justice met. Gunnar Strömmer, our Minister of Justice, had previously invited to breakfast to discuss counter-terrorism and what we can do together. Unfortunately, it must be said, that meeting was less suitable than one had expected. But it is a way to work together and exchange experiences.

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Linnéa Wickman (S)

Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answer. Something that is often in focus now is that we must stop terrorists and potential terrorists at the borders. It is of course important, but political and religious extremism exists today all around in our societies. The EU needs to work long-term even internally to counter the radicalization of people.

What does the Minister of State consider the EU can do collectively to stop this unacceptable development?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! Close cooperation is already taking place at the EU level. This was something that we also worked hard on during the Swedish presidency: to constantly improve the work against organized crime and violent extremism together. There are a number of proposals that we have on the table, but there are also proposals that we need to work further on. The Minister for Justice is certainly better suited than I am to account for all the different parts, but I am positive about the fact that they met today to exchange a great deal of experience in light of the horrific events that occurred the other day.

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Angelika Bengtsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! Today I wear my Star of David in solidarity with the Jews who cannot do so because of threats. In Gothenburg, the Jewish population is urged not to wear Jewish symbols and not to speak Hebrew in public. This is the reality in Sweden today – in 2023. Since I myself have Jewish ancestry, it is also an issue that affects me on a personal level.

My questions to the Minister for Culture are: How are we to be able to preserve and bring to life the Jewish culture in Sweden, which today is under severe testing? How does Parisa Liljestrand, as Minister responsible for democratic issues, consider it consistent with our open, solidary and democratic society that the Jewish population is once again forced to remove symbols that indicate its Jewish identity?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank the member for an important question. It is evident that the horrific terror attacks in Israel have also given rise to a much clearer wave of antisemitic expressions and opinions, both abroad and here in Sweden. It must be remembered that antisemitism is something that exists in Sweden otherwise as well. But we in the majority society are focusing on it in a different way now in light of the terror attacks in Israel.

On Monday, I, Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg, and Social Minister Jakob Forssmed met with representatives of Jewish civil society to highlight what is happening in Israel but, above all, what impact it has on the Jewish population in Sweden and what we collectively need to focus on doing to improve the situation here.

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Angelika Bengtsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! I am pleased that we finally have a government basis that so clearly stands on the side of the Jews and Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine must never lead to a situation where one cannot live openly with one's Jewish faith here in Sweden. Far too many have already moved from my former hometown Malmö because they cannot live openly with their Jewish faith and culture. This is happening in Sweden in the year 2023.

What measures does the Minister intend to implement to ensure that the situation in Malmö does not affect the Jewish community or the population even in Gothenburg?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! The testimonies that the government has received, not least during the past week, have only made us more determined. The government will continue to work hard so that all Jews can live freely in our country, freely be able to stand up for their identity and be able to practice their culture and their religion. Here, the government is extremely clear. Racism and antisemitism have no place in our society here in Sweden.

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Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (V)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Development Cooperation.

Over the past few days, we have seen how Israel has bombed a large number of hospitals in Gaza. Many have been killed, including many children. It is a war crime that must be condemned, just as we condemn Hamas's heinous terror attacks on Israeli civilians. But it is wrong to punish the entire Palestinian people, which is now happening. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic.

To pause Swedish aid in this situation is deeply incorrect. It only benefits Hamas, because the aid largely goes to human rights and democracy activists who work against Hamas. Instead, aid to Palestine should now increase, especially to Gaza where there is an acute shortage of food, water, electricity, and medicine.

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs work for increased aid to Gaza?

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, for the question!

The government condemns the unreserved attacks against Israel carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas. In this very difficult moment, we stand side by side with Israel in the fight against terrorism. One has a right under international law to defend itself against terrorism and indiscriminate rocket fire.

Regarding the aid to Palestine, we have said that we will take a pause in it, similar to many other countries, for example both Denmark and Germany. We do this to ensure that it does not reach actors who do not have a crystal-clear view on terrorism as a political method. We can never accept any kind of middle ground here.

I would, however, like to remind of one thing. The pause does not include the humanitarian support. It continues exactly as before to help people in Palestine in a difficult situation.

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Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (V)

Madam Speaker! Of course we must condemn Hamas's horrific terror attacks. But we must also condemn when Israel commits war crimes. Bombing hospitals in Gaza is a war crime. There is no doubt about that.

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, has said that a strangulation of aid in this situation only serves the terrorists. We know that the Swedish aid goes to democracy fighters, women's rights organizations and people who fight for democracy and freedom. To strangle it is truly to do Hamas's bidding.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! It is appalling that so many civilians have been affected at the hospital. But one must be very careful about pointing at who has done it. We still do not know that. It is important that we do not spread unconfirmed allegations.

I find it very difficult to see how it would in any way benefit the terrorist organization Hamas that we are crystal clear that Swedish aid will never come anywhere near organizations that do not have a crystal clear view on this. I think it is completely obvious. We will ensure that we raise the quality of Swedish aid also on that point.

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Anna Lasses (C)

Madam Speaker! My question also goes to Minister for Development Cooperation Forssell.

I and the Centre Party welcome the review that is now being conducted of the Swedish aid to Palestine, so that it truly goes to the right purpose. Then it is, of course, very important that the paused development aid is resumed when the review is finished.

I still become a bit puzzled when I read the mandate to Sida, which is now carrying out the review. It states there that only those organizations that unreservedly condemn Hamas shall be able to receive aid.

It sounds naturally obvious. But I believe that all of us sitting in this chamber are well aware that the one who literally declares their absolute distance from Hamas high up in Gaza is simultaneously signing their own death warrant. That surely cannot be the government's intention.

I simply wonder how Minister Forssell and the government intend for this to work in reality.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Anna Lasses, for the question!

We obviously view it positively that the Centre Party also thinks it is important that we quality-assure Swedish aid. Much of the discussion previously has solely been about: Does Swedish aid support Hamas or not?

What we want to do with this assignment, in contrast to the previous audits, is to ensure that money does not go to actors who are not crystal clear about this.

Then Anna Lasses points to an aggravating circumstance. One cannot always express one's views in the way we would wish to be able to do in Palestine. For that situation, the Palestinian authority also bears a responsibility. We have pointed out those deficiencies previously.

At the same time, we fortunately see that there are actors today who dare to speak openly and clearly about, for example, the lack of democracy and human rights. In that part, we are nevertheless hopeful.

We will, of course, follow this very closely going forward.

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Anna Lasses (C)

Madam Speaker! I understand then that the wording in the assignment is not to be interpreted literally, but should rather be based on a dialogue with the organizations that are relevant. It is rather about a clear position that principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are followed. Is that correct?

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! It is the wording that stands in the mandate that matters. Then one can discuss how to do this, not least in a time where we see a very difficult situation on the streets and squares.

The point of this is very simple, straight, and clear. Just as it has been done in Germany and Denmark, and as the EU Commission also does, we shall ensure one thing. If one wants to work with Sweden and receive a share of Swedish aid funds, one must be very clear and explicit regarding the connection to Hamas. We can never accept terror as a political method.

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Rasmus Ling (MP)

Madam Speaker! It is difficult to grasp the scale of what is happening in Gaza and Israel and the risks that now exist in the area moving forward. The major terrorist attack by Hamas with over 1,000 civilian victims has been followed by Israeli counterattacks where civilians are also exposed and very many die.

The world cannot watch as civilians are affected in the way that is occurring. Against this background, I want to ask the government what the government is doing, together with others and on its own, to reduce the suffering of the civilian population to the extent that it is possible and so that the number of victims is as small as it can possibly be.

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you for an important question!

It is undeniably a situation that is unwanted and filled with human suffering. The Government condemns the unreserved attacks against Israel carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas. The EU has also condemned the terrorist attacks, as have very many other countries.

Hamas is a terrorist organization that deliberately opposes the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people's right to also be able to live in peace. Terrorism must be combated, and it must be done with joint efforts.

It is also important to keep in mind that Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself against terrorism and rocket fire. Such operations are ongoing. We as a government also stand behind that. Naturally, international law must also be followed in that.

What the Swedish government is doing is that we are following the situation very closely. We ensure that we help Swedes who are in the area. We also ensure that we work both within the EU and on a geopolitical large scale to help the situation.

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Rasmus Ling (MP)

Madam Speaker! We welcome that Hamas is condemned by both the government and other EU countries. It is very good.

But the question was: What is the government doing to minimize the number of civilian casualties? How is the government acting to reduce the suffering among the civilian population both in Gaza and on the Israeli side?

Madam Speaker! I would like to have an answer to that question.

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! We have, from the government's side, taken a number of measures. It is not something that stops here. It is a work that will continue to proceed even further.

It is about taking responsibility for EU policy. This is not something that Sweden can do alone, but we must do it together with others. We also take responsibility for our Swedish citizens who are in the areas where we have made it possible to bring home Swedish citizens. It is a way to reduce human suffering.

Then it is naturally also about taking a geopolitical responsibility across the board to support and try to end up in a situation where one can come to the table and have peace talks instead of war.

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Emma Ahlström Köster (M)

Madam Speaker! I do not think it has escaped anyone, either in here or around Sweden, that previous governments have unfortunately not managed the maintenance of our cultural and music scenes. The Opera in Stockholm is just one example of this tedious neglect, which affects all of Swedish culture.

It is therefore pleasing that the current Minister for Culture has now promised to make efforts for our largest cultural scenes. I wonder: When will this work begin?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! This is undeniably a task that is burning in different ways and forms. One must also remember that our cultural properties have very different circumstances. If we look only at the Opera, we can state that I am the fifth Minister for Culture to handle the issue. It has lain on many governments' tables.

A preliminary study is currently underway, which is the first step towards de facto fully carrying out a renovation. The Government has also stated that the Opera shall be renovated in the existing premises, and that work is therefore currently ongoing with the preliminary study.

Connected to other cultural properties, this is a question that concerns rents and rent levels but also neglected maintenance, what happens when the maintenance is finally carried out, and how one is then to put together an economy that works and which enables a lot of culture in the country for all residents.

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Emma Ahlström Köster (M)

Madam Speaker! That sounds reassuring. But the need is great across the entire country, as the Minister pointed out, and we want more people to have the opportunity to play and take part in music. What are we doing concretely to enable more stages for music around the whole country, also outside of Stockholm?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank you for the question. Naturally, Sweden is larger than Stockholm and the culture is larger than what exists in the capital. I have personally experienced this during many of my travels around the country over the past year. Therefore, the government has now given a mandate to the Arts Council to look at music scenes around urban areas - that is a delimitation we have made - in order to be able to begin the work of looking at what conditions the music scenes in the country have and what is needed to strengthen them so that we can provide more culture to the people.

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Magnus Jacobsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed.

On October 6, I and my family came home after having sailed together with the Christian boat Elida in Israel. On October 7, I woke up to find that over a thousand people had been murdered.

The result of this horrific murder is also that we unfortunately today see a persecution of Jews living in our country. We also know from before that many of the Jewish congregations have had problems with ensuring security at their facilities.

My question is therefore: What is the government doing to protect the safety of Jewish people, synagogues, schools and elderly care homes?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Magnus Jacobsson, for the question!

It is terrible that Jews in Sweden hide their identity and that congregations feel compelled to urge their members not to show who they are for fear of threats and persecution. Just as the member says, Jewish congregations and institutions have also for a long time had a threat profile against them and have been subjected to attacks. This is now increasing.

That is why the government has submitted a proposal to the Riksdag that in next year's budget, the grant for security measures available to civil society organizations shall be significantly increased from 44 million to 74 million and that this shall be more clearly guided by need. This also means that the Jewish organizations and congregations will, to a very large extent, receive a share of this.

Since it is ultimately the responsibility of the state to guarantee people their right to freedom of religion, both individually and together with others.

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Magnus Jacobsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! At home in Uddevalla, the horrific events in Israel, where the terrorist organization Hamas attacked civilians, met with the fact that people from Palestinian groups and left-wing groups went out and demonstrated, cheered, and talked about exterminating Jews. We see the same tendency online. We see how it is difficult to stand up for the truth and even how pure Hamas lies are spread.

What is the government doing to ensure that Jews have a better situation in the future in Sweden?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! We are doing a number of things. Parisa Liljestrand has mentioned some of them, including the dialogues we have with Jewish organizations and congregations in Sweden. We also have a working group at the Government Offices, led by the Prime Minister's State Secretary, to protect Jewish life in Sweden. We are awaiting an investigation on this in order to be able to make further efforts. It should be a matter of course to be able to live fully as a Jew, visibly, and together with others share the faith and the culture that one has.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! I have a question for Minister Forssell.

I want to start by thanking for the pause of development aid and the much-needed review that the government is now conducting regarding aid to Palestine. It is also pleasing that the EU is making a collective increase of the humanitarian aid. We are part of the EU, so it is also our increase.

At the same time, one can note that Hamas themselves post videos where they dig up water pipes to build bombs. They also rob aid organizations of fuel and other supplies.

I have two questions: What is Sweden doing, and what can Sweden do, to strengthen humanitarian aid? And what are we doing to ensure that Hamas or any other terrorist organization does not receive any share in the second, third, or fourth hand?

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you for the question, Joar Forssell!

We have collectively made a decision on a pause of the development aid. At the same time, we are to conduct a review, and that is justified. I have been into the reasons for it. Much of the discussion has been conducted from a Swedish context, that we must know that our money does not go to the wrong purposes. I would, however, like to highlight another aspect that is at least equally important: People in these areas must know that our aid money reaches them and does not end up in the pockets of terrorists or with persons who do not have a crystal-clear view on these completely fundamental issues.

We are now conducting a review of both humanitarian aid and development aid to ensure that we are working in the right way. We will also work very closely with our other European and Nordic partners to find common answers in these important issues.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Thank you for the answer, Minister Forssell!

It is incredibly important that we do everything we can so that Hamas's occupation of Gaza ceases. One part of that is, of course, to ensure that no organization that does not unreservedly distance itself from Hamas is allowed to continue receiving money.

The Minister mentions cooperation with EU countries. I wonder how the government works to cooperate with the USA, which also strengthens humanitarian aid but works to ensure that it does not reach Hamas.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! There are several countries that are conducting this type of review - and also a pause, it should be said. We welcome a strong American commitment in this issue, both to try to find a more long-term solution to the problems and to help people on the ground now and, not least, to get the hostages released.

I will tomorrow have a meeting with Samantha Power, who is the head of USAID, regarding precisely the humanitarian issues and how we can work together moving forward.

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Niklas Karlsson (S)

Madam Speaker! On October 29 this year, the so-called Öresund Agreement turns 20 years old, that is to say the tax agreement signed between Sweden and Denmark to facilitate integration and growth. Above all, it was about facilitating cross-border commuting for the people who live in the Öresund region, that is to say being able to live in Sweden and work in Denmark or vice versa.

But 20 years is a long time. Much has happened, society has changed and the need for a new agreement is naturally great, which the Committee on Taxation has also pointed out to the government for a long time. Negotiations have been ongoing for a year and a half now, and a new agreement is emerging, something that, among others, the Finance Minister and the EU Minister have commented on in the media.

In view of this, I address the Minister Roswall. What is the status of the negotiations between Sweden and Denmark? How close are we? When can we expect a new agreement to be in place?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Niklas Karlsson, for the question!

A lot has happened. A more modern agreement was needed that takes into account a modern labor market. It is a question that is very important. How can we increase commuting and integration in the Nordic region?

It has stood still for a long time. But this government and the new government in Denmark have taken hold of the negotiations, which have been down for a long time. I am proud and happy about that. The negotiations have gone very well and come far. From a Swedish perspective, it is a question of just the equalization scheme that remains. There we are not in agreement.

I cannot say exactly when this will be finished. But as said, it is pleasing that the negotiations have been taken up by the government and that we have nevertheless approached finding a solution to this. This is important, especially for the Öresund region.

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Niklas Karlsson (S)

Madam Speaker! I am pleased that the negotiations are ongoing. They actually began during the Social Democratic government. That the new government has continued with this is, of course, welcome.

I look forward to a new agreement being put in place. It is important to facilitate integration in the Öresund region and make life slightly better for those of us who live in the southern parts of the country. I look forward to the agreement being put in place in the near future.

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! We can argue about who started it and who will complete it. But I am pleased that this government and also the Danish government have taken hold of it and come so far. As I said, a lot remains.

There are also many other parts that are important for increasing commuting in the Öresund region and at our other border crossings that we need to get better at. This is of particular interest to us in Sweden, which has the most border with our Nordic neighbors.

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Eric Palmqvist (SD)

Madam Speaker! Barely two weeks have passed since the terrorist organization Hamas's bestial attack on the Middle East's only democracy: Israel. This is the worst pogrom we have seen since World War II. It has been condemned by the government, and that is naturally good. Anything else would be unthinkable.

Israel is, besides being a democratic island surrounded by a sea of dictatorships, also a prominent nation within research and development. In view of this and the recent events, I would like to ask Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell if the government intends to manifest its support for Israel also by working to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as research and trade.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you for the question, Eric Palmqvist!

I, as Minister for Foreign Trade, and we as a government always view more trade and more research collaborations across national borders positively. As a small country dependent on trade and exports, it is in our DNA.

Right now, however, we have worked more with the acute situation - over a hundred people are being held hostage, and everyone has seen the horrific images from the hospital the other day. We have tried to channel support, get a stop to Hamas's horrific terror, and help Swedes on site with a safe return journey back. That has been our primary focus right now.

In the future, we will of course review the possibilities for further research collaborations, for example with Israel. But right now, it is important to prioritize.

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Eric Palmqvist (SD)

Madam Speaker! I would like to thank the Minister for the answer.

It is a reasonable prioritization. But given the circumstances and the fact that trade and trade exchange is also a form of aid and a position, I would be grateful if the Minister could give examples of what steps one can imagine. It may not apply in the most acute phase, but in the coming phase.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! What the UD has done since October 7 is that we have tried to reach out to and have been in contact with Swedish companies. Several of them have been directly affected by the indiscriminate rocket fire. We are trying to help Swedish companies on site to operate as normally as possible in the exceptional situation.

Israel is a prominent country in terms of research and development and has some of the world's most technologically advanced companies. I hope that in the near future we will be able to return more to the normal and focus on how we can develop that cooperation.

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Christofer Bergenblock (C)

Madam Speaker! Yesterday I attended a seminar on Sweden's 15 world heritage sites, which we collectively have to care for and preserve for all time, based on the World Heritage Convention that Sweden has committed to. Among these world heritage sites are examples of our culture, nature, and technological history. In my own home region, in Halland, there is one of these world heritage sites: Grimeton radio station.

Regardless of the color of the government, the state's interest in our world heritage has been quite limited over the years. During the 40 years that the convention has existed and been signed by Sweden, the state has not taken any greater responsibility and, above all, has not provided any funds.

A few years ago, a national world heritage strategy was developed.

What does this government intend to do to strengthen the state's commitment to our world heritage sites?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! Many thanks, the member, for the question!

When it comes to both our world heritage sites and our cultural heritage in Sweden, we undeniably have a task ahead of us. I believe that many of us and many parts of society have awakened regarding both the world heritage sites and the cultural heritage. Sometimes they are the same, but sometimes they differ. I think there is a new understanding and perception generally in our country, in all parts of society, that we need to start working with both preservation and maintenance but also preparedness linked to our cultural heritage and world heritage sites.

This government intends to take greater responsibility for these issues than has been done previously. We have also signaled this in the budget.

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Christofer Bergenblock (C)

Madam Speaker! It is good that the government has woken up regarding the issue and that it is seen as important.

But I want to return to the world heritage sites. What, concretely, does the government have for a strategy and thoughts there? We can see that no extra funds have been allocated in the budget for the world heritage sites specifically. It is nothing new for this government. That is how it has been for 40 years. But what are this government's ambitions regarding our world heritage sites?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! It is not the government that is alert on the issue. Our entire country, with the new situation regarding safety and security both internally and externally, with the threats that now exist around us, has a completely different focus on preparedness issues generally. We are working much more with it than any government has done since the Second World War.

When it comes to world heritage sites and cultural heritage, the government is working intensively to ensure that our cultural heritage and world heritage sites become accessible to as many as possible and are given the opportunity to function and be in the present but also in the future.

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Amanda Lind (MP)

Madam Speaker! The Minister for Culture just said that culture is greater than what happens in Stockholm, and this government wants to promote culture throughout the country. But now we unfortunately begin to see the consequences of the government's death blow against the study associations, and it concerns precisely culture throughout the country.

The other day, Kulturens Bildningsverksamhet, one of the ten state-grant-eligible study associations, announced that it will be winding down its operations. This is done with reference to the large cuts in the study associations' budget. They judge it simply impossible to continue running the operations.

Kulturens Bildningsverksamhet is precisely the study association that has a direct focus on art and culture. They work so that everyone can participate in and practice culture throughout the entire country. They support singing, theater, dance, and film activities. They collaborate with 400 cultural associations around the country, which are now being forced to close down.

How does the Minister for Culture intend to act to handle the damage to cultural life caused by the government's folk education policy?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! It has probably not escaped anyone's notice that we are in an economic winter and that inflation is our absolute greatest enemy, both for individual wage earners and for the country as a whole.

This government has presented a budget in a very difficult time, where we have, for reasons that this chamber has just discussed, chosen to focus on internal and external security. We are also making a shift from study associations to the folk high schools, where study associations are set back in favor of the fact that we are still increasing the budget for the folk high schools. We believe that we need to promote a policy that puts more people to work, and in that regard, we believe that the folk high schools bear a great responsibility.

With this said, I will, of course, as Minister for Culture, closely follow what happens in the issue of whether study associations will still be able to operate and offer culture to new culture creators and culture consumers throughout Sweden.

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Amanda Lind (MP)

Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for Culture for the answer. It appears almost incorrect to claim that the government wants to promote culture throughout the country when it is so deprioritized.

Many are concerned about the three-step rocket in the cuts. I hear what the Minister for Culture says about following the development. It was also something the Minister for Culture said in an interview in DN, that is to say, one wants to see what new activities can emerge as a result of the closures.

Will the Minister for Culture act to prevent the cuts in the study associations in the coming years, given that we are actually seeing a negative development?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! It is no secret that the member Lind and I have different views on what it is that promotes culture throughout the country. I believe that there is something that also happens beyond the public sector. Where public funds end, other activities also take place, and we need to promote that those activities receive attention and are allowed to flourish.

In addition to the study associations, one must remember that there is also a lot of other cultural activity. The Government is now continuing the investment of 100 million kronor, that is to say the state's investment in the cultural schools. It is a way to continue to promote culture.

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Stefan Olsson (M)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Development Cooperation.

Can he imagine reconsidering the Swedish aid policy for Palestine? A central goal for the Swedish Palestine policy has been to support the work of building a democratic Palestinian state that can constitute a serious counterparty to Israel, which can negotiate a sustainable peace between the peoples.

Now there is war between Israel and Hamas again, and the support for the anti-democratic movement has been remarkably large. It seems to me, therefore, that the democracy assistance to Palestine has had no effect. Is it then not reasonable to both pause the assistance temporarily and also make a major rethink of the policy?

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank Stefan Olsson for the question.

We are conducting a form of reassessment already by carrying out a proper review. This applies to both development aid and humanitarian aid. But the pause we have pointed out applies only to development aid. Why it is important to maintain humanitarian aid is obvious to everyone, regardless of whose "fault" it is. We naturally point to the terrorist organization Hamas, but there are also individual matters, for example the hospital, where there is not yet more information. In a difficult situation, we must help people who are suffering.

When the review is complete, we will be ready to make more long-term decisions. I do not want to anticipate that decision today. We have asked Sida to submit information by December 1st at the latest. At that point, we will carefully analyze this.

We do not want to make those types of important decisions in a state of emotion, but we want facts and clarity on the table. When we get that, we shall evaluate the information and make decisions moving forward.

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Cecilia Engström (KD)

Madam Speaker! The EU Commission has said that they will present proposals that simplify things for companies. But we can observe that many of the proposals are anything but simple. They have come up with a long series of directives and proposals in the tax area at an improbable speed over the last ten years.

A large number of tax directives have been implemented, but neither the governments nor the business community have time to evaluate the views and proposals that come in. When proper impact assessments are not conducted, it is difficult to know what the effects will be. When the proposals are not sufficiently anchored, it will not be easy to implement and comply with them.

My question is directed to EU Minister Jessika Roswall. What is Sweden doing to counter this tax hysteria from the European Commission?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! Unanimity is required to make decisions at the EU level regarding taxes. In that regard, Sweden has been unanimously in agreement that the EU should not have the competence to make decisions in these matters.

I do not think it is a tax hysteria, but the question is what the government is doing. Yes, the government is investing in reducing complexity. It was high on the agenda during the presidency, and we were heard on several things. The amount of regulations decreased by a few percentage points, and some regulations became simpler. This is extremely important for Swedish companies and for the EU. If we are to meet our future challenges, for example with continued support for Ukraine, we need to get growth and production started in the EU. That is where my focus lies, and we work continuously with these issues.

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Anna Vikström (S)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Jakob Forssmed.

On September 1, a proposal for a ten-year strategy for mental health and suicide prevention was presented. 13 concerned organizations have subsequently written in a debate article that it is worrying that neither the Minister for Social Affairs nor the 26 agencies that have developed the proposal can answer what resources are needed and what the concrete plan looks like moving forward. Now, savings are also being made in both municipalities and regions within the areas that are essential for suicide prevention and mental health, for example, schools and healthcare.

What is the plan for implementing the strategy and raising the ambition for suicide prevention and mental health with the resources required?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! I thank Anna Vikström for a very pertinent question. I am pleased with the material we have received from these 26 authorities, which will be used to develop a national strategy for mental health and suicide prevention.

It is important that we see mental health as a task for the whole of society and not something where we tell the healthcare system that they should take care of mental ill-health. Then we will not manage the problems, which we see, not least, with an increasing mental ill-health among young girls. It is very worrying. Other interventions are required there. Many interventions are required. I am pleased with the great commitment from the organizations regarding these issues.

We will, of course, work actively to ensure that the government makes decisions on this strategy and on the measures that follow from the strategy. It is important to allocate resources but also to see that there are many actors who can contribute, not just the 26 agencies. But it is a very good start for this work.

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Yasmine Eriksson (SD)

Madam Speaker! Just over a week ago, the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas entered Israel and carried out extensive acts of terrorism against Israelis and tourists. Following this, the government and the Sweden Democrats agreed to pause development aid to Palestine, which was wise.

But since the humanitarian aid remains, I would like to ask Minister Forssell about the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. It is an organization that has, among other things, been criticized for having financed teaching materials with antisemitic content.

Education is a part of humanitarian aid, and Sida states that we are paying millions of kronor to UNRWA this year. My question is therefore whether Sweden will continue to pay out support to this criticized organization.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Yasmine Eriksson, for the question!

The review we are now conducting concerns the entire aid, both the humanitarian aid and the development aid. We are doing it to be completely certain that Swedish aid funds do not go to actors whose view on terror is not crystal clear. There is no room for hesitation here; rather, this is completely basic and fundamental—both so that Swedish taxpayers can feel secure that their 56 billion, which the aid budget actually amounts to this year, is used in an effective way, and above all, for the people who are to receive these funds.

There is criticism against UNRWA. This will be analyzed in the report, which is to be completed on 1 December. Sometimes the examples are from quite many years back in time, but we will look at this carefully and stand ready to make more long-term decisions after we have received the report on 1 December.

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Catarina Deremar (C)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Johan Forssell, but I would like Minister for Nordic Affairs Jessika Roswall to listen a little extra.

In the Nordic Council, we work to strengthen the mobility of young people, not least when it comes to education.

UWC Red Cross Nordic is located in Fjaler in Norway. It came into being thanks to cooperation between the prime ministers of Sweden and Norway in 1991. Here, students from all over the world attend, whose knowledge and understanding of each other's backgrounds are built up in a very effective and fine way. It is something that the world needs more of in these days.

Now the government has decided to withdraw the funds in the budget from Sweden to this school, so I want to ask the Minister what he intends to do so that the cooperation regarding UWC Red Cross Nordic can continue.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Catarina Deremar, for the question!

I must begin by simply stating that as Minister for Development Cooperation, I do not make decisions regarding each individual organization or each individual grant in that part. I must go back to the department and look into this specific grant.

We cooperate with several hundred different organizations, and there are very many different grants. But we live in a world where we have an aid that is generous. Sweden is one of five countries in the world that reaches the UN goal of 0.7 percent of GNI. But it is not unlimited. We must constantly make different prioritizations.

Such a priority for us has been a powerful but also long-term support for Ukraine. It is easy to say, but it is harder to do. If one is to carry it out in practice, one must cut other expenditures. That is how reality looks, otherwise the economy will not add up. We are constantly making different trade-offs in this to achieve as good a whole as possible based on the clear priorities we have made.

Regarding the specific question that Catarina Deremar poses, I must go back to the department and return later.

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Marléne Lund Kopparklint (M)

Madam Speaker! I would like to ask a question to Parisa Liljestrand.

Today I wear three important symbols: a national team jersey, a pin with the EU flag and the Swedish flag, and two bracelets that children have made. They symbolize faith in the future and cooperation and honor the victims in Brussels.

Madam Speaker! It is in times like these that we Swedes must not let ourselves be divided. We must stand united as a people and a country against the evil that tries to turn us against one another.

Given the recently occurred event and the terrorist attack in Brussels that tragically affected Swedish citizens because they wore our beloved colors blue and yellow, and the increasingly alarming increase in violent crimes against innocent citizens in the country, could the Minister in broad strokes describe the multifaceted strategy that the government has to counter what we are seeing right now?

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Kulturministern Parisa Liljestrand (M)

Madam Speaker! It is undeniable that we are all very deeply affected by the events in Brussels. Our thoughts naturally go first and foremost to those affected and their loved ones.

When it comes to the situation and the reality we find ourselves in right now here in Sweden, this is not unknown territory for us, but these are issues that we have worked hard on ever since the change of government. One can say that the entire government's budget focuses on still allocating resources to combat the major societal problems in a very tough economic situation.

That is also why we have significantly increased resources to strengthen both internal and external security. We are taking a number of measures in this regard. I believe I will annoy the Speaker if I take the time to read them all up. But I can assure the Member that this government takes the threats very seriously and is working hard and effectively to ensure the safe existence of our citizens.

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Dan Hovskär (KD)

Madam Speaker! Many families with children are finding it tough to make ends meet right now. More and more people are worried about whether they will be able to afford various leisure activities.

For many children and young people, the autumn has also been characterized by shootings and gang crime, which is sinking to lower ages.

The Christian Democrats have for a longer period worked to try to introduce a leisure card for all children between 8 and 16 years old, loaded with financial support for participation fees in leader-led activities for community life and cultural schools. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged households shall receive higher support.

We are pleased that the leisure card is being introduced next year. The leisure card is about community, identity, and good role models. Children and young people will be welcomed into a sense of belonging that offers something other than the gangs.

My question goes to Jakob Forssmed. What effects will the leisure card have in preventing children and young people from being drawn into gang crime?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Dan Hovskär, for the question!

We need to weave a much stronger web around them, not least the guys who run the risk of being drawn into the criminal gangs. That requires many interventions: better parental support, that we break secrecy so that social services, school, and police can cooperate and talk to each other, earlier interventions aimed at families, and not least alternatives – communities where one can be seen and gain an identity, which is what often lures these guys into the criminal gangs.

It is my view that no one should have to forgo such leisure activities for economic reasons. Therefore, I am pleased that we are working towards being able to introduce the leisure card. I believe that, together with other measures, this can have an effect, above all in providing a better, more joyful, and meaningful leisure time for many. One effect of this will be that we offer loving, good communities as alternatives to those who want to drag the children into the darkness.

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Olle Thorell (S)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The images from Israel and Gaza are horrific. The civilian casualties are in the thousands, and many, many children have died in meaningless massacres.

We Social Democrats stand up for international law and human rights and for the fact that the laws of war must be followed by everyone. All efforts must also be made to protect the civilian population, both Israelis and Palestinians.

We do not think it is wrong to conduct a review of the aid and ensure its quality. We do, however, think it is wrong to stop the payments of development aid to Palestine. This only risks driving people into the hands of Hamas and increasing radicalization and extremism.

But my question concerns the humanitarian aid. Many other countries have come out and said that they will now increase the humanitarian aid to reduce the suffering in Gaza, but from the Swedish government, there has been silence so far. When will the announcement regarding this come?

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Olle Thorell, for the question! It is true that we have decided to take a pause in development aid, against the background that we have a completely new situation after October 7. It is important that we quality-assure the Swedish aid so that it does not go to the wrong actors or to actors who do not have a crystal-clear view on terror.

At the same time as this is happening, the humanitarian support is ongoing; it is not paused. We are also part of the European Union, which the other day confirmed that it will increase the humanitarian aid efforts in the country. We naturally always look at the possibilities to further increase this from the Swedish side in light of the needs that exist, but it is complicated. It is not just about allocating funds but also about the possibility of reaching people with these aid funds. We have also been able to see reporting in the media showing that those possibilities are unfortunately still quite limited. We hope that this will change.

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Leonid Yurkovskiy (SD)

Madam Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Social Affairs Forssmed. The Public Health Agency published a report on mental health and suicide in Sweden just over a week ago, and we can unfortunately state that the development continues to go in the wrong direction. Since 2008, the dispensing of ADHD medication, among both girls and boys, has multiplied many times over. The number of children cared for in psychiatry has multiplied several times. The number of children taking antidepressants has also multiplied several times. This is about children, hundreds of thousands of them. It is a public health issue.

The situation is in itself completely unacceptable, especially for the individual who is affected. But it is also the case that Sweden as a country risks its vitality with a weaker and actually unhappier population.

Until now, the political measures have demonstrably not worked, and therefore my question is: What new and, above all, concrete measures will the government take to reverse the development?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Member, for a very pressing question! This is a very concerning situation. One of the first decisions I made was to increase the funds for child and adolescent psychiatry but at the same time set requirements that improvements must be made in the regions regarding accessibility.

We have appointed an inquiry into an accident commission for suicides, which will deliver its report in the relatively near future. When a suicide has occurred, we will therefore look at what has been lacking and what we can do better so that it does not happen again, in order to constantly improve ourselves in the suicide prevention work. But as the questioner describes, it is obvious that this is not something that we will be able to handle solely with the healthcare system's resources.

As an example, a measure we have taken can be mentioned, namely that we have asked the Public Health Agency to look at the connections between extensive screen use, social media, and mental ill-health. There are many researchers who argue that this is a partial explanation for an explosion regarding mental ill-health. We know that it displaces sleep, community, and physical activity. But also the content and the way the platforms are designed risk driving mental ill-health. Therefore, recommendations are extremely urgent.

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Aida Birinxhiku (S)

Madam Speaker! Sweden's increased exports to Russia's neighboring areas raise suspicions that the sanctions are being bypassed, and it was against this background that I submitted a written question on August 9. A week later, the government tasked Kommerskollegium with mapping this out, and it is of course welcome, even if it can be questioned why this assignment was not given earlier, given that exports have increased sharply over several months and were furthermore particularly noticeable in May. This should have raised suspicions in the government earlier.

It is absolutely fundamental that the sanctions against Russia are implemented in a uniform and effective manner and that Sweden and the EU support Ukraine in both words and deeds.

In August, it was stated that the mapping would be completed in the near future, but some more specific information has not been provided. Therefore, I want to ask when the mapping will be reported and what measures the government intends to take.

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Statsrådet Johan Forssell (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Aida Birinxhiku, for the question! This is an important issue for the government. It is true that we have tasked Kommerskollegium with producing an analysis of this. Could this assignment have been given earlier? Yes, possibly. But at the same time, one should remember that this statistics change from month to month and from week to week. It is important to be able to look at the situation over some time in order to be able to draw conclusions; it is, therefore, changing continuously.

The assignment has been given. I was at the Swedish Institute for Trade and Development Policy (Kommerskollegium) the day before yesterday and discussed this, among other things. The work is ongoing, and it will be presented to the government when it is finished. We are keen that this analysis is carried out thoroughly and comprehensively.

What measures might then become relevant? That naturally depends on what the analysis reveals. I do not intend to speculate on that now. But it is important for the government that we ensure that no Swedish companies do business with Russia in the way that has been described.

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Mona Olin (SD)

Madam Speaker! My question is directed to Jakob Forssmed. In Expressens investigation, which was released as recently as this morning, it emerged that more than every fourth returnee has been given jobs with children, young people, and vulnerable people, as childcare workers, youth leaders, teachers, and social secretaries. It is particularly highlighted that they work with children and young people who are vulnerable. We know that radicalization is a large part of what IS-returnees engage in.

The Sweden Democrats are extremely clear. Children and young people should grow up in safety and security and not be dependent on or inspired by public employees who are IS returnees. How does the minister intend to act to ensure that IS returnees do not work with vulnerable children and young people?

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Socialministern Jakob Forssmed (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Member, for the question! What is written in Expressen is, of course, a terrible read. Persons who join IS naturally have no place in Swedish schools. These persons, who have already been noticed in various ways, seem in several respects to have succeeded in deceiving the system and obtained employment in schools, in particular.

We need to analyze this further. We are working on a long series of points, not least to make it possible to have less secrecy in different contexts so that one gets better control over these types of situations. Among other things, supplementary directives have been submitted to the School Safety Investigation, and work has also been initiated to expand register checks, which Lotta Edholm has on her desk. We are, of course, also reviewing the possibility of taking the measures that are needed and are following this closely.

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Malin Larsson (S)

Madam Speaker! The final question goes to Minister Jessika Roswall. The escalating gang violence in Sweden is causing concern in our Nordic neighboring countries. In Finland, Norway, and Denmark, a debate is ongoing regarding fear of spillover effects.

This is a concern we need to take seriously. We need to have a dialogue together on how we can cooperate with authorities across the entire Nordic region to prevent us from seeing a similar spiral of violence in more Nordic countries.

We can learn from each other, among other things regarding how to work preventatively to prevent young people from being drawn into gang crime. If we do not handle and talk about this concern with our neighbors, we risk the Nordic integration in the long run. Has the Minister for Nordic Cooperation had any contact with his colleagues around the Nordics to discuss this issue and how we approach it together?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Malin Larsson, for an important question!

The wave of violence that we see in Sweden is unparalleled. As everyone knows, it is one of the government's absolute highest priority issues to stop this development with all available means, including new ones. We also know that organized crime does not stop at the border, and our situation risks affecting even our neighboring countries because crime is, by its nature, cross-border. There are links between Swedish criminal networks and other actors in the Nordic region.

I share Malin Larsson's view that international and Nordic cooperation is incredibly important here, and here our Nordic colleagues are cooperating. I cooperate with my ministerial colleagues, and I know that the ministers of justice have met and have regular contact. I also know that the prime ministers both meet and have regular ongoing contact by telephone and in other ways. We are in complete agreement that increased Nordic cooperation is needed here.

Question time was hereby concluded.

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