Question Time

TALMANNEN

I would like to welcome the ministers. Questions will be answered by Minister Andreas Carlson, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, Minister Jessika Roswall, and Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

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. The question shall therefore not concern, for example, conditions within political parties. Minister Andreas Carlson answers both general political questions and questions within his own area of responsibility.

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Markus Kallifatides (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson.

We Social Democrats have during the past year warned about the very serious situation in the housing sector and presented sharp proposals for measures, for example building stimulus, building credits and green rotavdrag. We have also proposed that allmännyttan be exempted from LOU. All of this has been dismissed, including our proposal for a housing commission.

Now Sveriges Television reports at prime time that housing construction is plummeting in Sweden, where overcrowding is greatest in the Nordic countries, where the vast majority of Swedes live in municipalities with a housing shortage and where unemployment is rising and the economy is shrinking. Large industrial establishments are threatened by housing shortages and a lack of infrastructure.

Why is the government abandoning Sweden's construction workers, housing seekers, overcrowded areas, industrial-investing municipalities, companies, and industrial workers?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for an important question, if I interpret it as that the questioner has a great commitment to the dramatically declining housing construction. The answer to the question is that the government leaves no one behind.

We have a very tough situation on the Swedish construction and housing market. We see, as said, a dramatic decline, and the construction that is taking place is far from what would need to be built according to the forecasts. This is largely due to inflation and cost increases, but structural reforms are also missing and have been missing for a long time. Obviously, the situation would have been better if these had been in place.

The government is working at a very high pace to make the housing market function better step by step with the structural reforms that are needed. We have a number of proposals in our budget to mitigate the effects, and we are pursuing a responsible policy with tightening measures to combat inflation.

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Markus Kallifatides (S)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answer.

The first thing the minister and the government did was to prematurely phase out the investment support for the construction of rental apartments with lower rent levels. Not even their own sharp promises regarding eased amortization requirements and starter loans for first-time buyers are being introduced without being placed on hold in investigations.

The message is, therefore, structural reforms. In that case, the Minister for Housing is actually responsible for the answer. How many more homes will be built during 2024 as a result of these structural reforms?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The answer to the question is that we would have been in a better position if the structural reforms had already been in place. It is, however, still correct to take the measures required to shorten lead times, change and improve regulations, and make buildable land available in attractive locations.

The way forward is not costly subsidies with low precision. Hyresgästföreningen conducted a study on this, and as much as 40 percent of the support would end up in projects that would have been carried out anyway. It is in the magnitude of 10 billion kronor that needs to go to welfare and school and to combating crime, not to inefficient measures.

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Ludvig Aspling (SD)

Mr. Speaker! It is very likely that al-Fatah actively participated in the terror invasion of Israel on October 7. There is photographic evidence. al-Fatah is therefore the party that governs the so-called Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

This should change Sweden's approach quite drastically. Al-Fatah has, in fact, received countless millions of kronor in support from Sweden. Parts of these funds go through the so-called democracy support, and the money is funneled via the Socialdemokraterna to what they call their dear sister party. This is in itself somewhat ironic given that the West Bank is a military dictatorship that has not held any elections since 2005.

The government can make decisions to terminate this support directly. The question lies entirely in the government's hands. Why has this not occurred?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! It is quite true that Swedish aid to political parties primarily goes through party-affiliated organizations, PAO. It is a support intended to help build democratic parties all around the world. When it comes to al-Fatah, the Social Democrats' PAO Olof Palmes Internationella Center has had a project this year, and it is from there that the money has been disbursed.

It is always a question of weighing things up. Sida does, however, work according to principles for the allocation of these funds, so it falls primarily on the authority to follow up on what the support is used for.

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Ludvig Aspling (SD)

Mr. Speaker! It is obviously a question of weighing up, but how much more weighing up is needed when members of this organization boast about having carried out a bloody act of terrorism. In this situation, I think the weighing up should be finished and that the government should intervene. The government has every opportunity to step in and end the support. Why has this not happened?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! No, the government does not have the possibility to do that at all. This issue is delegated to an individual agency, and individual agencies in Sweden work independently from the government. The government has no possibility to intervene and direct anything other than through regulatory letters, and regulatory letters do not regulate the allocation to individual parties.

It is also important to distinguish between al-Fatah and Hamas. It is Hamas that has carried out bloody terrorist acts, and it is Hamas that is responsible for the atrocities committed on October 7. We can neither blame al-Fatah nor the Palestinian Authority for this. We must distinguish between these organizations and, ultimately, also the Palestinian people, who are not responsible for Hamas's atrocities.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! Today marks 85 years since the so-called November Pogrom occurred in Germany, when Jews and Jewish businesses were attacked and many were murdered. It was the prelude to what became our history's most extensive genocide.

It is, however, clear that the world, despite efforts, has not succeeded in stopping genocide and forced displacements from occurring. Just this autumn, Armenians have been displaced from Azerbaijan and Afghans from Pakistan. In Burma, the military junta's attacks continue at an undiminished pace. And I have not even mentioned Ukraine.

At the same time, all eyes are turned towards Gaza, and earlier this week the figure of 10,000 dead was surpassed in the bombings which are the Israeli government's and military's response to Hamas's heinous attack against Israeli civilians, where Hamas also took hostages who must be released immediately.

The world has a responsibility to react and act regardless of where violations of human rights and international law occur. This is something Sweden should have done more forcefully already on November 9, 1938, and it is something Sweden should do also on November 9, 2023. When will the government demand a ceasefire to stop the bombings of Gaza?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! The humanitarian situation in Gaza is serious. The Palestinian civilian population is undergoing very severe suffering. Hamas bears a great responsibility for the humanitarian situation, but Israel also has a responsibility.

The government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli blockade. It is of the utmost importance that full and unimpeded humanitarian access is ensured and that water, supplies, fuel, and naturally also medicines and electricity are promptly and safely released.

It is positive that the humanitarian transports with emergency aid via Rafah have increased. The needs are enormous, and the government will continue to emphasize the importance of full and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, including such humanitarian pauses as are needed to ensure this.

(Applause)

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! Unfortunately, humanitarian pauses are not enough to provide bread, food, water, and medicine to everyone. A ceasefire would also provide the opportunity to let diplomacy work and give the hostages a chance to be released. Therefore, a ceasefire is the right answer, not humanitarian pauses.

There is no safe place to flee to in Gaza. The blockade and the occupation make all of Gaza a war zone. Of 2.3 million Palestinians, 70 percent are fleeing in an area that is a quarter the size of Öland. It is an open-air prison. So we cannot have that. We must stand up against people being killed, today just as we did 85 years ago.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas's attacks in accordance with international law. All parties must comply with international humanitarian law. Direct attacks against civilians or against civilian property are not permitted under international humanitarian law, and the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution must always be applied. The assessment must, naturally, be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances.

As I said: Sweden and the EU are closely following the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urge Israel to respect international humanitarian law.

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Rickard Nordin (C)

Mr. Speaker! The Norwegian state has invested 2.2 billion in electrifying the stretch between Trondheim and Storlien. This is very good considering that one can now travel by train from Trondheim and all the way into Sweden. Traffic is also planned for this stretch.

But when Norway has invested 2.2 billion, 25 million is missing on the Swedish side to get the traffic started by December 2024. This is traffic that would be good for industry, tourism and everyday commuting but also for our security, given that it gives us a road to the Atlantic coast that has not been open before.

My question therefore goes to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson. Will the government respond to the request and allocate these 25 million in the supplementary budget so that the traffic can get started during next year?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I have no new announcements to make today. This is a budget issue, and we will return to it in the process that follows.

But let me use the rest of the time to emphasize what Rickard Nordin is touching upon and what the Defence Preparedness Board has also pointed out, namely that there are challenges in our transport infrastructure in the east-west direction, which is important given military mobility and which will be important in light of our upcoming membership in Nato, which is getting closer every day.

We are already preparing for this when it comes to planning for transport infrastructure. It is included as a mandate in the Swedish Transport Administration's directional basis to consider the total defense's needs more clearly. We are, of course, working closely with the Ministry of Defence in this security-politically difficult situation where infrastructure is a very important part for securing military mobility.

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Rickard Nordin (C)

Mr. Speaker! It is welcome that the Minister for Infrastructure also sees the needs that the Centre Party and also these regions see. I have great understanding that one does not want to give budget commitments during a question period. But if I pose the question like this: Is the Minister for Infrastructure prepared to prioritize this in upcoming budget negotiations to get it done?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Nor even priorities in budget negotiations are usually subjects of question periods, but I note the submission from Rickard Nordin.

I note, just as I said in my first answer, Mr. Speaker, that we see that the infrastructure and transport will need to enable host nation support. Military mobility is, to the highest degree, a priority issue for the government.

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Katarina Luhr (MP)

Mr. Speaker! A large part of Sweden's climate emissions, around one-fifth, come from the construction sector. It makes a big difference which building materials are used and how construction projects are planned. Therefore, Boverket has previously been commissioned by the government to submit legislative proposals on limit values for the climate impact of buildings throughout their entire life cycle.

Due to the acutely short time we have to reduce climate emissions to stay within the Paris Agreement, Boverket received a new assignment from the government in February 2022, namely to submit proposals on how to accelerate the introduction of limit values for buildings - how to expand the application of the climate declarations.

On May 10 this year, Boverket submitted a final report to the government through the report Limit Value for the Climate Impact of Buildings and an expanded climate declaration. Since then, nothing has happened. The industry wonders, and I wonder. I therefore want to ask the Minister for Housing what has happened with the assignment and whether the government intends to send this work out for consultation or not.

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! This matter is being prepared in the Government Offices. It is an important issue to see how emissions can be reduced in the construction sector as a whole.

We have received the roadmap that has been developed regarding concrete, and we are working closely with the sector where many steps are now being taken to reduce emissions but also to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish companies. We see an opportunity for jobs and growth to be created throughout the country as a result of Sweden and the Swedish construction sector being far ahead, for example, on the European market.

Regarding that specific question, I will have to come back to it when we are finished with the preparation - the question is being prepared in the Government Offices. But there is no doubt that this is an important part of the government's work to reduce emissions.

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Katarina Luhr (MP)

Mr. Speaker! The construction sector is ready for change today, and they also have the knowledge of how to transition in a climate-smart direction. But they also demand clarity from the government on which direction they should take.

I understand that. When investments need to be made, one wants to know what is required. This applies to housing construction as well as infrastructure. We are currently in a situation where action is needed. I would therefore like to ask the Minister if the work for reduced climate emissions is important for the government and if it is something that is prioritized.

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Just as I said in my first answer, this is an important issue. Boverket has a mandate to develop the work with a circular economy in the construction sector, to take one example. There is an interpellation debate ongoing right now – which was interrupted by the question time, Mr. Speaker – which concerns utilizing the existing stock better. It is also an important part of the sustainability aspect. So we are working on these issues on a broad front and see the opportunity to both accelerate the transition and strengthen Swedish companies' competitiveness.

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Helena Bouveng (M)

Mr. Speaker! A week ago, I returned home from a trip to Ukraine. The impressions are strong, to say the least. It is an invaded Ukraine that impresses in many ways, not least when it comes to the way one maintains a sense of normality in the abnormal. Children go to school. The electricity often works. One can charge one's mobile phone. Bombed roads, bridges, and houses are being rebuilt. Bolibompa bubbles on. People go to work every day despite a war raging.

What lessons can Sweden and the government of Carl-Oskar Bohlin draw from the Ukrainian stoic resilience?

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Statsrådet Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Helena Bouveng for a very important question but above all for her choice to visit Ukraine.

I encourage all elected representatives, all decision-makers in Sweden, to make this type of trip, because the conflict in Ukraine must never become a forgotten conflict. We must stand with Ukraine, and we must support the Ukrainian cause - because the Ukrainian cause is ours.

This naturally leads us to a long series of conclusions. The most important is, of course, that we must strengthen the robustness of Swedish society on a broad front. This is being done through the major investments in civil and military defense that this government is currently carrying out and which we began to carry out already upon our taking office.

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Helena Bouveng (M)

Mr. Speaker and Minister! Sweden's Supreme Commander stated yesterday that we are in the most serious situation since World War II. I believe and hope that the vast majority of us understand this serious situation, but the question one asks is: How can I prepare myself, and what can I as a private individual do if what is happening in Ukraine happens in Sweden?

Is it the Government's view that we can achieve the same resilience that the Ukrainian people have shown?

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Statsrådet Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M)

Mr. Speaker! The answer to that question is yes. It is my absolute belief, but it requires that every Swede takes the responsibility that is incumbent upon every Swede.

We have in this country a total defense obligation for all people between 16 and 70 years of age, and the individual responsibility here is to take responsibility for oneself so that one can help if it should be required in the total defense effort. Then one must have a good home preparedness, and one must be prepared to support and help one's country if it should come to the ultimate.

(Applause)

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Gudrun Brunegård (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Sweden stands strongly behind Ukraine. This was evident, not least yesterday, when we held a seminar here in the Riksdag and Ukraine's deputy speaker participated via video link.

The recent developments in the Middle East - in Israel and Gaza - have however diverted much of the media's attention away from Ukraine and the major humanitarian needs that exist there now as the second war winter approaches.

I would therefore like to ask EU Minister Jessika Roswall: How is Sweden acting so that the EU, which has a much larger aid budget than we do ourselves, can support Ukraine ahead of the upcoming winter and into the future?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the question. I must begin by repeating what Carl-Oskar Bohlin just said, that Ukraine must never become a forgotten conflict.

Sweden has supported Ukraine in very many ways and continues to do so, and so does the EU. During the Swedish presidency, we kept continued support for Ukraine at the top of our agenda, and we succeeded in maintaining the unity. My view is that this also applies in the future.

Regarding the question that was asked about the aid, it is one of the issues that we are working a lot on right now to conduct a review of the EU's long-term budget. The most important part in this is to secure long-term financial support to Ukraine.

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Gudrun Brunegård (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the answer.

Three weeks ago, I was in Armenia to hear how they are handling the rapidly emerging refugee situation there. In a single week, Armenia, which has 3 million inhabitants, received over 100,000 refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. These people need food, housing, warmth, and psychosocial support. People are sleeping in cars, but this will not work ahead of the winter. What can Sweden and the EU do there?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! The order and distribution in the government is such that it is I who will answer this.

The Government is, of course, following the developments in the conflict very closely. Just as the questioner says, the situation on the ground is relatively calm, but on one hand, there are outstanding territorial issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and on the other hand, we have the refugee situation.

That is why it is important that the EU continues to be engaged. Sweden naturally stands fully behind the talks led by the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the potential actions on the ground that the EU may come to undertake, for example targeted towards the refugees.

I request to return when we approach the next meeting of the European Council.

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Anna Starbrink (L)

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

Uganda has introduced the world's strictest laws against LGBTQI people, and this also includes the death penalty. Promotion of LGBTQ rights is now prohibited. It is a very harsh legislation that affects many people and which has a normalizing effect in society, and the vulnerability of LGBTQ people in Uganda is enormous.

The law was enacted this spring, and the reaction from the rest of the world, including from Sweden, was of course shock. My question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is: What is the government doing to influence Uganda to ensure human rights for LGBTQI persons?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! The Government is deeply concerned about the legislation that Uganda's President Museveni has signed, which tightens the conditions for LGBTQI persons. It is the Government's ambition that we should work to improve the lack of democracy, human rights, and rule of law principles that exist in Uganda.

The law that the questioner refers to violates Uganda's international commitments on human rights and non-discrimination, and it has been appealed to the country's constitutional court by Ugandan civil society representatives.

Unfortunately, we are receiving reports of increased violence against hbtqi representatives, which is obviously unacceptable. We support hbtqi organizations and civil society actors who are active in MR issues and health issues through aid.

Our embassy in Kampala has followed the developments very closely and conveyed our concern to the Ugandan government, in parallel with a close and ongoing dialogue with the organizations I have just referred to. It is important that we take their views into account, in addition to the world's.

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Anna Starbrink (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the answer. I am pleased that there is a great commitment to the issue because the situation is so serious and is actually a matter of life and death for hbtqi persons in Uganda.

I wonder: Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs specify a bit regarding the international contexts in which we operate and where Uganda clearly violates the agreements that exist?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! We have clearly conveyed our position to the country's government. The EU, through High Representative Borrell, has made a clear statement underlining that international partnerships may be affected if Uganda fails to protect its citizens and guarantee fundamental rights.

By being present with aid, we can try to influence the development in a positive direction and also have a dialogue with the Ugandan government regarding human rights. This is, as mentioned, an important issue that we on the government's side intend to follow closely.

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Azra Muranovic (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Jessika Roswall. Yesterday, the EU Commission presented its report on the EU's expansion, and in it, it is proposed that Ukraine and Moldova should be allowed to begin membership negotiations, but that Georgia should be granted status as a candidate country.

We have constantly emphasized that it is important to continue to support the candidate countries' rapprochement towards the EU and that it should be a clear and solid, merit-based process. But when it comes to the countries in the Western Balkans, it has not been as clear. Bosnia and Herzegovina can only begin membership negotiations once a number of criteria are met. What are they?

How does the EU Minister view the report and the values that the Commission has arrived at regarding the different countries' opportunities to become members of the union? And does Jessika Roswall think the process is clear and merit-based?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Mr. Speaker! I am looking a bit at the Minister for Foreign Affairs now, because it is a shared responsibility. The main responsibility lies with the Government Offices, but the Minister for Foreign Affairs is also responsible for this. Ultimately, it is our heads of state and government who will make the decisions.

Yesterday, the Commission's enlargement package was indeed presented, and it was, as I have said on a few occasions since yesterday, a historic announcement we received. The Commission recommends that membership negotiations be started with Ukraine and Moldova. I want to say again that it is impressive to see what work has been done in Ukraine during a burning war when it comes to reforms. This is something that Sweden has supported and will continue to support.

It is very true, as the questioner says, that it also included starting membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina after certain criteria have been met. It is extremely important for Sweden and the EU that we stick to the fact that it is a merit-based process and that it continues to be so.

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Angelika Bengtsson (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Sweden is one of the net-paying countries to the EU, and according to the EU, we should pay even more in annual fees. For the time being, we receive a certain discount on the annual fee as a bandage on the wound.

During the negotiations on the long-term budget for 2021-2027, we were able to keep our discounts in exchange for joining the gigantic borrowing regarding Next Generation EU. Sweden's share of the costs significantly exceeds what we get back.

The argument during the negotiations was that the costs for NGEU were known and manageable. Even now, it is turning out that the costs are spiraling, partly due to high interest costs that the commission chose not to budget for.

How does the government ensure that Sweden retains the discount and the agreed level of the EU fee while Sweden stands up for that the EU should not have its own taxing rights?

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Statsrådet Jessika Roswall (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Angelika Bengtsson for the question.

Regarding the review of the long-term budget that is now taking place, the question of discounts and the distribution of other parts of the budget will not be addressed.

From the Swedish side, we have said that we would preferably not have wanted to do this. But the reason why we also think it is important to do this is, as I told a previous questioner, that we must ensure to secure the long-term support for Ukraine because the budget there has reached its limit.

Sweden is pursuing a very budget-restrictive line, which is well known in this chamber. We put forward in all our negotiations at all levels that it is primarily redistribution that matters. Our starting point is, of course, that taxpayers' money should be used in a wise and efficient way, which is well known within the EU.

We will have to see how the situation develops. But it is an ongoing discussion, and I will have reason to return to this chamber many more times.

(Applause)

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Nadja Awad (V)

Mr. Speaker! UN Secretary-General António Guterres says in a statement that Gaza has become a graveyard for hundreds of Palestinian children every day. And so we have a government that refuses to vote for a ceasefire. People all around Sweden are horrified by the government's inhumane foreign policy and how much the Palestinians' right not to be murdered is being dismissed. It is disgusting, and I think this government should be ashamed for not having taken a stand against Israel's extremism. The government must not be allowed to get away with deviating so brutally from the UN, Amnesty, Doctors Without Borders and others who have so strongly condemned Israel's killing. Israel is violating international law and our fundamental human rights, and it is above all children and women who are being sacrificed.

Therefore, my question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is: What will the government do to stop, not pause, Israel's killing of Palestinians in Gaza?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Just as the government has said several times, Israel has the right, in accordance with international law, to defend itself against Hamas's attacks. Demanding an immediate ceasefire could be interpreted as an urge for Israel to cease the fight against Hamas.

It is of course important that Israel's legitimate response occurs in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.

Sweden supports the EU's position as formulated in the European Council's conclusions on 27 October, which, among other things, call for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access and for necessary steps to be taken, also through humanitarian corridors and humanitarian pauses, so that aid can reach people in need of it. It is the government's policy.

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Kerstin Lundgren (C)

Mr. Speaker! Doctor Gubad Ibadoghlu is a well-known human rights activist in Azerbaijan. He has been a research fellow at several universities. He was supposed to start teaching in Dresden this autumn, but he was arrested in Baku in July. The evidence against him can always be discussed. Much suggests a political ambition to imprison a human rights activist who, uncomfortably enough, has published articles and research regarding corruption and systematic money laundering. He has also criticized the EU's agreement with Azerbaijan, because Azerbaijan's data was not correct and could contain Russian and Turkmen gas and oil. He is now also being subjected to a lack of support from doctors.

Is the Minister prepared to take up his case at the Foreign Affairs Council next week and ensure that the EU acts for his medical support?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! The Government thinks it is very important that we follow the development of human rights in Azerbaijan. I believe that Kerstin Lundgren is well aware of this because it has been a position for a long time. We make the assessment that it is more important than ever that we work to, for example, ensure that the EU's High Representative in the dialogue with Azerbaijan points out the shortcomings that exist regarding human rights.

The individual cases that Kerstin Lundgren highlights here, I need to look into more closely before I give a final answer. But naturally, I rule nothing out. And the most important thing in this context is to remember that Azerbaijan is a country that unfortunately has very large problems when it comes to human rights. The only way to address this is to be methodical in the dialogue that the EU has with the country and to exert the pressures that we can to improve this situation.

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Annika Hirvonen (MP)

Mr. Speaker! During the years that Sweden had armed troops in Afghanistan, Sweden employed and hired a number of interpreters, guards, and other personnel who worked close to the Swedish troops. Now, most of these Afghan employees have been evacuated to Sweden, but some have also been evacuated to other countries. About fifty remain in Afghanistan. The Taliban are working to establish very good control over who lives in certain places, and many of the former employees of our Swedish soldiers need to move and stay hidden with their lives at stake.

Many states have continued to evacuate their local employees. I wonder if the Foreign Minister will do the same with those who remain in Afghanistan and who have worked for Sweden.

(Applause)

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the question. The work in the government is so organized that this is a question that falls under the Defense Minister's area of responsibility, and therefore I answer the question in the capacity of the minister who today answers questions of a general political nature.

In this question period, I must however refer this question to the Minister for Defence, who shall prepare the answer. It is an important question, but I will not be able to answer it at the level of detail that I believe the members of the Chamber deserve. Therefore, I refer the question to the Minister for Defence.

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Oskar Svärd (M)

Mr. Speaker! I can state that the government, since taking office, has shifted the aviation policy. It seems to be over with closed airports, flight shame, and reduced support. Now we see instead the importance of aviation for Sweden's growth and see aviation as an important mode of transport in our elongated country.

But the aviation industry is currently waiting for the long-term rules of the game, including from Peter Norman's investigation but also from other parts that the government is currently preparing.

After eight years of the Social Democrats' and not least the Green Party's flight-shame policy, we are now entering a shift towards modern and sustainable aviation.

Mr. Speaker! In view of this, I would like to pose a question to the Minister for Infrastructure. What does the government's work look like moving forward regarding Swedish aviation?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! This is a priority issue for the government. Just as Oskar Svärd is pointing out, the so-called flight shame can be thrown in the trash. I mean it, and I mean that that feeling is less and less justified as the transition is now taking place within aviation. Aviation is an important part of the Swedish transport system and a type of transport that should not be pitted against other types of transport. On the contrary, the government's direction is that all types of transport are needed in a transport system that is efficient and sustainable and that creates good accessibility in our elongated country.

We are now preparing the proposals contained in the investigations that are on the table, and we are doing so at a high pace. We have already given notice regarding the proposal that the investigation submitted about strengthening the support for the non-state airports: We have more than doubled the support in the proposed budget. It is a significant reinforcement of Swedish aviation.

(Applause)

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

Cecilia Engström (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Sweden faces a great need to upgrade the infrastructure - the lifeblood of society. It is absolutely crucial for the whole of Sweden to function.

Many Swedish roads and railways are today in poor condition due to too much neglected maintenance since the 80s. Furthermore, an expansion of new capacity is needed; I see this in particular in Skåne and the Öresund region. Can Sweden manage to both make large investments in the maintenance of existing roads and railways and come up with large investments moving forward? Now is a good time to make investments in the construction of society. We cannot afford to wait. Investments in a robust, sustainable, and high-capacity infrastructure are crucial for Sweden in an increasingly tough global competition.

My question is what the Minister for Infrastructure is doing in the short and long term to find new forms of financing for investments in infrastructure in Sweden.

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for an important question. It is exactly as Cecilia Engström says: We have very large needs in the Swedish transport infrastructure, both regarding investments in new capacity and not least regarding maintenance, which is very overdue. One does not need to travel many miles in our elongated country to realize that, regardless of whether we are talking about roads or railways.

With the increased costs we are now seeing, an important part is to secure cost control in the work. The government is working on this, and there we follow Trafikverket's work. Another important part is to see how we can open up for more forms of financing. The main rule is that infrastructure is financed through appropriations, but other forms of financing also exist. For example, loans that are repaid with fees or congestion taxes occur, as well as advances and co-financing. This is important to pursue, and the government does so both in the assignment we have given Trafikverket to speed up infrastructure investments in Norrland and in the orientation assignment that Trafikverket has to report back on in January.

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

Helena Gellerman (L)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson.

The Western Main Line is one of the most important railway sections in Sweden. Passenger traffic and over 60 percent of the freight from the Port of Gothenburg travel on the section, which means that the Göteborg-Alingsås section has the worst capacity shortage in Sweden. Now, maintenance of the overhead line system is planned on exactly the Göteborg-Alingsås section, and at the same time, they intend to build two new turnouts in Lerum. Trafikverket therefore plans to close one of two tracks and go from 22 trains per hour to 8 trains per hour. This risks seriously affecting both work commuting and companies, not least considering the enormous expansion in Western Sweden during the coming years.

My question is: How does the Minister view the risks, and how can we minimize them? Can the construction of two new tracks on the Göteborg-Alingsås section before the signaling change be a solution?

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for the question, Helena Gellerman! This is an important issue. It is about the railway maintenance, which is neglected throughout the country. We have great needs.

Just considering that we have both capacity problems and large maintenance needs, I gathered a large part of the industry – train operators, freight buyers, and maintenance contractors – before the summer to hear from them what they collectively see as challenges but, above all, solutions to achieve more efficient maintenance with less impact on traffic. During the summer, we prepared what emerged during the meeting, and in late summer, the government decided on a mandate to Trafikverket to sharpen the work on maintenance. The mandate has thus already been given to Trafikverket.

Regarding the specific situation that has arisen, I am following it very closely. It does not fall to an individual minister to micro-manage agencies, but it is of course the case that I follow this and inform myself about the situation. It is important that the maintenance is carried out in a way that does not affect capacity more than necessary.

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

Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! After Hamas's horrific terrorist act a month ago, Israel has the right to defend itself within the framework of international humanitarian law. But we now see that thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza have had their homes and lives destroyed. Family members have been killed, and one finds oneself in a very difficult situation where access to water, food, and supplies is lacking.

Recently, the government chose, on behalf of Sweden, to abstain from voting in the UN when the demand for a humanitarian ceasefire was presented. It is regrettable. The heads of all UN organizations, including the UN Secretary-General, are now jointly pleading for a humanitarian ceasefire. This is something that we Social Democrats also demand.

Many of us ask ourselves why the government is so silent when it comes to the civilians affected in Gaza. "Why are our loved ones worth less than others affected by war?" is a question I, as a Member of Parliament, now often receive. Is it not time, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, for the Swedish government also to immediately demand a humanitarian ceasefire in accordance with the UN's demands?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! First and foremost, one must remember what the position in the general assembly was actually about. There were two resolutions on the table: one was the one that Johan Büser refers to, and the other had a Canadian addition that clearly and distinctly referred to Israel's right to defend itself and to Hamas as a terrorist organization.

If the Canadian addition had passed, which we voted for and which the EU member states as well as the Nordic and Baltic states voted for, we would not have had any problems with this. But that was not the case, instead the Canadian addition fell. Subsequently, we abstained in the following vote - in line with a majority of the EU member states and the states in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The historiography must therefore be correct.

When it comes to ensuring that a development is achieved where one can de-escalate, create humanitarian pauses, and bring in food and supplies, it is the government's consistent position on this issue. We naturally believe that all human lives are worth exactly the same, regardless of whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.

(Applause)

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

Thomas Morell (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson.

Winter has arrived, as it does every year, and the problems on our roads appear with ever greater clarity with each passing year. Traffic comes to a standstill for hours. It hinders important logistics flows to our industries, pharmacies, hospitals, and whatever else it may be, but what is worse is that these stoppages also prevent rescue operations from getting through.

It has been pointed out for many years that we must have better maintenance of our roads. There are enormous costs involved in the picture. The other day, I spoke with a trucking company owner who had several of his vehicles standing by the side of the road. He estimated that this stop costs him 26,000 kronor, that is to say, having cars that are of no use.

My question to the Minister is: What does the Minister intend to do to clearly task Trafikverket to ensure accessibility?

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for an important question, Thomas Morell!

Just as Morell is pointing out, this is a question of road safety and that we should prevent serious accidents with in far too many cases a fatal outcome. We are working towards the zero vision's goal that no one should be killed in traffic. But it also affects important goods flows and is associated with large costs for Swedish business.

Trafikverket has the government's mandate to be responsible for winter road maintenance on the state roads and has developed requirements for what shall apply for the implementation. It is important to ensure that Trafikverket does what they can and that the maintenance contractors fulfill their commitments. I have had a meeting with Trafikverket to inform myself about the preparations that have been made and how the operations are followed up, and I will follow the issue closely. This is an urgent and important part of the government's overall work to improve the maintenance of the Swedish roads.

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

Linda W Snecker (V)

Mr. Speaker! Start building now! Dagens industri wrote on the front page this week. It questioned why the government neither expands the electricity grid nor expands the railway.

The business community wants to increase the national debt. Trafikverket wants to use debt financing to build more railway. What the government has done is to stop and delay the construction of railway. This affects both the passengers, the business community, and the industry.

It is absolutely necessary with loan financing and to find alternative financing to build more railway. The government itself has seen to throwing the importance of national planning into the wastepaper basket.

When will a proper initiative come to finance more railway and build a railway for the needs of the future that all parties can stand behind?

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I will of course answer the question, but let me first clarify that we, contrary to what the member says, have not discarded any plans. When we interrupted the planning for new main lines for high-speed trains, we gave new assignments to Trafikverket to see what can be done instead. We received a report back and have now, as regards Skåne, decided to proceed with Lund-Hässleholm to increase capacity.

We also get, for the same money that the previous government intended to use to build new trunk lines for high-speed trains, with the measures that the previous government did not take forward from Trafikverket's referral to national plan and which increase the capacity on the existing Öresund Bridge connection. That is how the government acts to quickly - and faster - get the measures that are needed in place.

Regarding the proposal on loan financing that Trafikverket has submitted, this was done as part of a mandate that our government gave to Trafikverket. It is a proposal that is now being prepared at a high pace at the Government Offices.

A lot is happening. More will need to happen, and more will need to be built. From the government's side, we are open to alternative financing in the assignments that the government has issued so far.

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

Christofer Bergenblock (C)

Mr. Speaker! On Tuesday, I attended a seminar in the Riksdag which dealt with how the access of the visually impaired to travel services has become increasingly restricted in recent years. This is a picture that is confirmed in the report that Trafikanalys delivered to the government's table in March. In the report, proposals are also presented on how the situation can be improved through legislative amendments. Above all, it is about incorporating the whole-journey perspective, where one takes into account the individual's orientation ability and the possibility of getting from door to door. Just this is absolutely crucial for those who have a visual impairment.

My question to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson is therefore: Does the government intend to implement what is proposed in the investigation and thereby improve the situation regarding transport services for those with visual impairments? And when can we, in that case, expect a government bill on the floor of the Riksdag?

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! As the member pointed out, this issue has been investigated by the authority Trafikanalys. We will prepare this issue. It is on the Government Offices' desk. I have no new information to give on the issue today, but this is being prepared in the Government Offices.

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

Camilla Hansén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! On Monday, the government presented a new investigation that is to provide lasting improved safety and study conditions in schools. These are important prerequisites for a good learning environment and work environment for everyone in the school.

Surprisingly, the assignment seems to mostly be about increasing teachers' disciplinary powers and questioning student influence, as well as a fair amount of micro-management. It does not touch upon the actual conditions for safety and study at all, such as class sizes, pedagogical support, student health, and the teachers' working environment.

Education shall be conducted based on science and proven experience. It shows, for example, that trusting relationships between teachers and students lay the foundation for safety and study, especially for students with behavioral problems, and that disciplinary measures taken in the wrong way can increase insecurity.

I wonder in what way the government will strengthen student influence as an important basis for safety and study in the investigation and every day in the classrooms.

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! How more people shall reach the knowledge goals that exist in the Swedish school and how order can be secured so that more people feel safe in their school environment are pressing issues.

No one has suggested that disciplinary measures should be taken in the wrong way, as the member said, but it is about a balance. This investigation also, of course, does not exclude other measures within the school. A great and important responsibility lies with school leaders, teachers, and municipalities. The Government sees this, and that is why the Government is working very actively to strengthen the Swedish school. We will continue to do so – it is important for the students and for the teachers' working environment.

This is an important issue for us in Sweden to be able to nurture and shape tomorrow's citizens. More accurately said, they are already citizens today, and therefore student influence is important. There is nothing in the proposals being discussed in the investigation that removes this.

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Ann-Charlotte Hammar Johnsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson. It concerns southern Sweden.

Skåne is the gateway out to and in from Europe. It is therefore also the way up through Sweden. At the same time, we can state that the infrastructure in Skåne has serious deficiencies. The discussion about high-speed trains and where new main lines should be drawn across the Skåne countryside, and the uncertainty and anxiety that this discussion has caused for people, has cast a damp blanket over the question of important infrastructure on site in Skåne.

Now we rejoice that the question of high-speed trains is settled and put in the sack. Therefore, my question to the minister is how he views infrastructure investments to remove bottlenecks and to achieve improved freight traffic and commuting in Skåne now that we no longer need to devote ourselves to endless and tiresome debates about high-speed trains.

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

Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Ann-Charlotte Hammar Johnsson for the question.

When we abandoned the plans for new trunk lines for high-speed trains, we simultaneously tasked Trafikverket to see what we can get for the money instead, now that we have very large needs in Skåne, Western Sweden, and Östergötland. There were already three different proposals for measures there in the national plan.

When it comes to Skåne, it is exactly as I said in the exchange with Linda Westerlund Snecker just now: We get six other measures and a reinforcement of the Södra stambanan between Lund and Hässleholm. These are measures that are in high demand, not only in Skåne but for the entire Swedish transport system, and which in some way were forgotten when the previous government presented the national plan. This increases the capacity over the Öresund Bridge and will make us better prepared when the Fehmarn Bält connection opens eventually. These are very important measures.

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Heléne Björklund (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Civil Defence.

Here in Blekinge, we are currently experiencing a completely inconceivable environmental catastrophe after the ferry Marco Polo ran aground no fewer than three times and leaked out over 100,000 liters of illegal heavy fuel oil into our sea and at our coast.

The Minister's state agencies, the Coast Guard and MSB, are doing a great job with cleaning up the oil out at sea, but it is Sölvesborg Municipality that is responsible for the shoreline. There, many volunteers are currently doing an outstanding job. Many are working with oil cleanup, food deliveries, transport, and everything else that can be needed.

For a small municipality, it is about millions of kronor in additional compensation and, not least, extra work. My simple question to the Minister and the government is: Will the government be able to compensate and reimburse the municipality for this extra work?

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

Statsrådet Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M)

Mr. Speaker! Many thanks to Heléne Björklund for the question!

I completely and fully agree with what Heléne Björklund expresses. What we have seen unfold in Pukaviksbukten in Blekinge is, of course, nothing other than appalling. The legal proceedings regarding accountability will, of course, need to take place in this part. We have already seen people on board the ship held accountable for this.

I personally had the privilege of visiting the site. I can fully agree with the picture expressed here. But I also feel a very great confidence that all actors in the system join forces. It is volunteers, authorities, and voluntary organizations who help each other.

The impression I received on-site was that the compensation issues, in large part, will be resolved. There will be an opportunity to receive compensation, for example from MSB, for the work that has been undertaken. Should it turn out that there are additional questions, we will, of course, look into this matter.

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Markus Wiechel (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Many of us have been horrified by the dreadful images we have seen following Hamas's brutal terror attack against Israel on October 7. Thus, it is also very good that the Foreign Minister has been so clear when he has emphasized Israel's fundamental right to self-defense. I also assume that the government is doing its utmost to support Israel in the fight against terrorism.

This is, however, not the only tragic event we have seen in the foreign policy area. Russia's ruthless war against Ukraine continues. There is therefore a fear from the Ukrainian side that the rest of the world will forget them in the shadow of what is happening in the Middle East.

Against this background, I wonder what the government is doing to secure transatlantic support for Ukraine at this moment and what other clouds of concern one sees for the long-term support for Ukraine.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you very much for the question!

It is naturally incredibly important that we continue to support Ukraine. We need to do that in several different ways. We need to do it as an individual state in our bilateral relations with arms deliveries and the financial support that we provide. We need to do it within the framework of the EU with the financial support and the arms deliveries that come from there. We need to do it in partnership with other states.

The transatlantic link is incredibly important both to the United Kingdom and to the USA. In all of this, we must not forget to give a very large acknowledgment to the American people for the efforts they have made, especially when it comes to efforts related to military support. Without this, Ukraine naturally would not have been able to survive.

This can be done in two ways. It is by giving the recognition that I am doing here and now as a representative of the Swedish government and by the EU doing it. But it can also be done by the EU itself increasing its military support and thereby showing that we take this seriously. It is incredibly important to maintain the political support in a time when the USA is heading into an election campaign where these issues may come into play. That is the Swedish government's policy in this area.

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Magdalena Thuresson (M)

Mr. Speaker! I have a question for the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Russia's illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine naturally ranks high on the foreign policy agenda. It is an enormous strength that we in the Riksdag are united in our support for Ukraine.

In the wake of the war and other conflicts, however, the question of Belarus has not received as much attention. Belarus risks becoming increasingly loyal to Russia and thus an increased security threat to Europe.

Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs tell us how the government is working to support the democratic opposition in Belarus?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you very much for the question!

It is very important to keep Belarus high on the agenda. Sweden will increase the ambition in Belarus policy moving forward, both in terms of putting pressure on the regime and supporting the democratic forces in exile. This includes cooperation with like-minded partners and in particular Lithuania.

The tireless work carried out by the democratic forces in exile is admirable. Sweden's and the EU's dialogue with them is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, I have asked Ambassador Christina Johannesson to be the government's representative towards the democratic forces in exile.

We will continue to work with the support for the political opposition and civil society. This applies in particular to Belarusian culture. But it is also a matter of focusing on the very severe violations of human rights that the regime in Belarus engages in.

It is important to give hope where there previously has been no hope for a better Belarus and also to give the Belarusian people signals that there is also a future within the European family for that which belongs there.

(Applause)

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

Jamal El-Haj (S)

Mr. Speaker! For 75 years, Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, imprisoned and killed. According to Amnesty International, Israel's military has attacked Gaza's civilian population with white phosphorus, which is worse than napalm. The human suffering is enormous.

Children lose their parents, and parents lose their children. People are murdered while they flee. We are talking about over 10,000 dead. But Israel's blockade means that many more will die from a lack of medicine and healthcare and from thirst and hunger. It is very much about children, the sick and the elderly.

In the West Bank, which is governed by the Palestinian authority, Palestinians are attacked and driven from their land by armed settlers.

In view of this: Does the Minister for Foreign Affairs still consider that Israel is defending itself within the framework of international humanitarian law?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! It is interesting to see Jamal El-Haj here in the chamber today.

Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas's attacks in accordance with international law, just as I have said before. All parties must comply with international humanitarian law. I have several times previously here during the question period said that direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are not permitted under international humanitarian law. It is also fundamental that humanitarian access is granted and that one can bring in water, food, medicines, etcetera.

But I also want to emphasize that even if it is now a matter of also urging Israel to respect humanitarian law, we must also not be allowed to forget that the terrorist group Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, bears a great responsibility for the serious humanitarian situation prevailing for the civilian population in Gaza. It is perhaps something for Jamal El-Haj to take up in his contacts.

(Applause)

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

Roger Hedlund (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Andreas Carlson.

Today, there is an investigation out for consultation concerning property owners' ability to terminate lease agreements with tenants who have committed crimes, or if tenants have a live-in resident for whom they are responsible who has committed crimes.

Given the organized crime and how severe it is in society today, we need to ensure that we have far-reaching measures. When the crime that we fear escalates, the legislative authority should be given the opportunity to proceed in other areas.

When it comes to those who have a contract for a premises, my question to the Minister is: Is the government ready to proceed with the possibility of terminating lease agreements for premises when individuals have committed crimes?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for an important question!

Serious organized crime has spread its roots wide and far across our entire country in various structures, and the roots go deep. Therefore, it is very important to work in all different parts of society to combat and prevent this serious organized crime. It is precisely for that reason that there is an investigation that has come forward with proposals. Those proposals are now very correctly out for consultation.

Work is being carried out in a number of other areas. From day one, the Government, in cooperation with the coalition partners, has reformed the crime policy but also the policy in a number of different areas in order to specifically strengthen our ability to combat this crime. In that work, I do not rule out that we could look at precisely this issue. It is a matter of reaching those who commit serious crimes in all the different ways they appear in our society.

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Leif Nysmed (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Andreas Carlson.

The construction industry and housing construction are crashing. The forecast for next year shows only 19,000 new homes. And in the government's budget, I note a modest investment of 80 million to get housing construction started in some way. People are talking about structural reforms. It might not have any major effect next year, which is what would be needed.

We simultaneously have a proposal for investments of 8 billion, including in the form of investment support aimed at, among other things, student housing as Kristdemokraterna's former housing policy spokesperson, Caroline Szyber, has presented – perhaps you can listen to her a bit – as well as state construction loans for new production of housing.

My question to the Minister is: Are you so eager to get housing construction started as it sometimes sounds from you? I lack the incentives themselves to get it started.

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Yes, we are keen to get housing construction started. At the same time, we now see how inflation, cost increases, the high interest rate, the great uncertainty on the housing market, and a recession that we are in and are estimated to be in until 2025 affect the entire Swedish economy, including the Swedish construction and housing sector.

One can reflect on what would have needed to be in place to have a higher resistance against the decline. The global factors that I point out and highlight obviously affect the construction. However, we would have been better equipped if structural reforms to shorten lead times, improve regulations, and make buildable land available in attractive locations had already been in place.

During the time of the Social Democratic government, there was an economic boom and money was almost free. Still, it was not built. Not during a single one of the eight years were as many dwellings completed in Sweden as needed to be built. I think that calls for reflection and self-reflection.

The government is, however, fully aware that it is a tough situation. We are introducing measure after measure to mitigate the effects.

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Rashid Farivar (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is directed to Sweden's Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson.

In July 2022, the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Transport Administration were commissioned by the previous government to develop a national action plan for the expansion of charging infrastructure and refueling infrastructure for hydrogen. The final report was presented on November 1, 2023, that is, last week.

One of the key challenges identified in the report is the lack of an effective coordinated agency responsibility for the expansion of charging infrastructure across the entire country. In response to this deficiency, the report proposes that the Swedish Energy Agency be appointed as the national coordinator for Sweden's charging infrastructure. That role should be able to contribute to ensuring that the continued expansion of charging infrastructure occurs from a holistic perspective.

My question to Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson is whether he considers that this proposal can improve the coordination for the expansion of charging infrastructure in Sweden. Is the government, in that case, prepared to give the Swedish Energy Agency this assignment?

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Statsrådet Andreas Carlson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the question.

It is important to increase the expansion of the charging infrastructure needed in the transition. Therefore, it is a priority issue for the government.

The Swedish Energy Agency already has a mandate regarding the coordination of issues concerning charging infrastructure linked to Klimatklivet. In the report that the member refers to, both the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Transport Administration jointly point out that the Swedish Energy Agency should be appointed as the national coordinator for charging infrastructure. The proposal is an expansion of today's mandate.

It is good that the authorities are on board. They have jointly submitted a proposal, and it is now being prepared in the Government Offices.

I can, however, already state that the government in the budget proposal before the Riksdag has proposed to allocate 8 million kronor to the Swedish Energy Agency for the purpose, in order to enable a national coordination of the expansion of charging infrastructure for 2024.

Question time was hereby concluded.

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