Question Time

TALMANNEN

I would like to welcome the ministers. Questions will be answered today by Minister for Energy and Business Ebba Busch, Minister Lotta Edholm, Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren, and Minister Paulina Brandberg.

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/her performance of duties. The question shall therefore not concern, for example, conditions within political parties. Minister for Energy and Business Ebba Busch answers both general political questions and questions within her own area of responsibility.

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Malin Larsson (S)

Mr. Speaker! In recent years, food prices have increased by 32 percent. At the same time as food prices continue to rise, the government is lowering taxes on them for the highest incomes, and we see an economic inequality that is becoming entrenched and hitting the most vulnerable the hardest.

We Social Democrats have submitted proposals for increased child allowance, for a food price commission, for increasing competition at the wholesale level, and for placing a warning triangle on goods during shrinkflation. Now, the Minister for Rural Affairs has presented an updated food strategy that shall apply to the entire food chain. But it does not contain any solution for consumers here and now.

What is the Minister for Rural Affairs' message to all families and pensioners who are now facing incredibly tough economic conditions, and to the single mother who cannot afford to put food on the table?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! There is no doubt that many are having a very tough time as a result of the inflation that we have seen in Sweden for many years. When we took over, the inflation levels were at 10 percent. Fortunately, we seem to have succeeded in breaking this. But we see that food prices continue to rise due to increased prices on, above all, certain goods.

The government takes this seriously, and I therefore, together with the Minister for Finance, called in all the actors in the food chain to discuss the problems. What do they themselves see that they can do to influence prices in the right direction? And what is their message to the government?

My basic position is that stable food production provides stable prices over time. Therefore, the government has many concrete and significantly sharper measures in the now-presented food strategy than was the case in the previous one.

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Malin Larsson (S)

Mr. Speaker! We Social Democrats mean business when we say that we must have agricultural and food production throughout the country. Therefore, we have already added an extra 60 million kronor to the Norrland support in the budget for 2025.

The food strategy was delayed, and now that it finally arrived, the message was that most of it is to continue being investigated. Why does the government choose to wait when it is possible to increase the support for Norrland already here and now?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I can state that this government, unlike the Social Democratic government, has prioritized primary production even economically. We are sending 746 million kronor in our budget decision to the farmers. These are funds that the Social Democrats instead let remain in the state's pocket.

I can also state that the Social Democrats, in their government base, have among others the Left Party, which wants to raise taxes by 95 billion. This will also affect food prices in the wrong direction.

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Mr. Speaker! A living countryside and a vital primary production are crucial for a functioning Sweden. The global situation with the need for preparedness and the discussion about food prices also underscore the importance of increasing the production and supply of Swedish food.

It is therefore pleasing that the government, together with the Sweden Democrats, on Friday presented an updated food strategy aimed at succeeding in what the S-government failed to do, namely to increase Swedish food production.

Last week, the Climate Policy Council also presented its report on the agricultural sector. It proposes significantly increased diesel taxes and a sharply reduced Swedish nut and milk production. The Council also wants the government to introduce a meat tax or similar to change people's dietary habits.

From SD's side, we think it is a substandard and out-of-touch report from the council that would seriously threaten Sweden's food supply.

How does the Minister view the council's proposal? Is this something the government intends to proceed with?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The updated food strategy is an important guide forward. Production must increase. Meat tax is not relevant for the government. We have prioritized extra reduced agricultural diesel in all the budgets that we have presented together precisely because it is a targeted reform that benefits production.

The Government has received the climate report that the member mentions, and it will, of course, be analyzed.

There is an ongoing work to review and update measures to promote both production and the agricultural climate transition. We have a wave ahead of us of new technology and new knowledge that will lead the way forward. The Government will continue to develop the climate policy forward and to develop the agricultural policy both at the national level and at the EU level.

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Minister, for the answer!

The conditions for agriculture are also affected by EU legislation, and there we hope that good simplification work is underway.

From SD's side, we also think it is important to be able to discuss the EU's climate legislation. Here, for example, are the EU's climate tariffs, CBAM. They will be introduced shortly, and they will cover trade fertilizer. It could increase the prices of fertilizers by 30 percent, and domestic production is delayed.

Would it not be smart to move forward the inclusion of trade fertilizer in CBAM?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Regarding fertilizer, I want to say first that I believe we can do more in Sweden. The Government has therefore tasked the Swedish Board of Agriculture to provide an account and an analysis of how the continued development of domestic production of fertilizer shall proceed.

Regarding the CBAM Regulation, we naturally follow the issue closely, as well as other factors that affect the price of trade fertilizer.

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Samuel Gonzalez Westling (V)

Mr. Speaker! A week ago, the government invited the food giants to the Ministry of Finance because of the high food prices.

Right now, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of families are worried about how they will be able to feed their children. We know that a huge number of them do not have the opportunity to eat their fill at all; we see it in various types of reports.

They expected the government to do something about food prices. But when they read Expressen, they were probably disappointed, because according to the CEO of Ica, the government did not place any requirements whatsoever on the food giants. The retailers were, on the contrary, satisfied that they could set their own requirements.

Minister Kullgren was there. What did the government actually do at the meeting? What did the minister do? What requirements were they making? When will we receive a response from the government, and when will we see that food prices are lowered?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! We naturally asked questions about what the food chain can do to influence prices. We received some answers, and we also received a great deal of "with-it" (medskick).

I would nevertheless like to point out to Vänsterpartiet that I do not believe one bit that your proposals for solutions for lower food prices will lead to that. That price ceilings, increased taxes of 95 billion kronor and the removal of the reduction of the diesel tax, our most accurate way to benefit primary production in Sweden, would not have an impact on food prices does not exist.

We have seen enough bread-queue politics around the world, which state control over food prices and markets leads to.

This is a serious problem. We are going to put in every effort. Things will naturally happen, not least on the production side, so that we get stable food production and thus stable prices.

(Applause)

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Samuel Gonzalez Westling (V)

Mr. Speaker! I have no idea that the Minister is a member of the Left Party. Nor is that what the question is about.

The Minister has a party leader – she is sitting at the front at the podium right now – who during the election campaign stood and waved a falukorv and promised that prices would be lowered.

Should I, therefore, interpret the Minister's answer as that you have actually done nothing at all to address the high food prices by inviting the food giants to a coffee break?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I believe that every liter of diesel costing 10 kronor less at the pump has a tremendous impact. That we, through a responsible fiscal policy, have dealt with the high inflation we took over after you and successively lowered taxes for ordinary people in Sweden naturally affects the room one has to shop. That we have sent 746 million directly to primary producers of food in the country also clearly makes a difference.

More will be done, but the Left Party's solutions are not the answer.

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Rickard Nordin (C)

Mr. Speaker! It is hardly surprising that my question goes to Energy Minister Ebba Busch.

Ebba Busch has just stood at a press conference and accounted for the government's financing of nuclear power. What was clear at the press conference was that they have not chosen to look at any alternatives whatsoever. If there are alternatives, they should be presented, it is said. Then we from Centerpartiet can announce that as recently as last week we submitted a report, with backing from Energimyndigheten, KTH, Chalmers, Sveriges Ingenjörer, Afry and others, which shows that there is enormous potential in Swedish hydropower, in Swedish combined heat and power, in energy efficiency and in many other measures to solve the problems we have here and now.

I want to ask Ebba Busch: What alternatives has the government looked at? Are there any investigations, and how will we others be able to access them, if you haven't only looked at nuclear power?

(Applause)

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! It is a very relevant question from Rickard Nordin.

The simple, short answer is: The alternative to large amounts of fossil-free baseload power is what Sweden is now testing. Unfortunately, it is not an experiment. It is the result of a red-green energy policy that chose to prioritize ideology over Sweden's best interests in a very difficult time.

We have the alternative of a lack of this base load now. The price for that will be paid by companies that cannot connect to the electricity system, it will be paid primarily by southern Sweden, and it will be paid by all Swedish households with incredibly volatile electricity prices.

In addition to that, I want to say that Rickard Nordin's question is based on a fundamental premise that we would only build nuclear power. No, we really are not going to do that. This government and the four coalition parties are for all good, fossil-free types of power. We will take more measures, preferably together with the opposition, for wind power, solar power, hydropower, combined heat and power, and other types of power.

(Applause)

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Rickard Nordin (C)

Mr. Speaker! If the government is interested in focusing on fossil-free base load and flexible power that can compensate when it is not sunny and not windy, why does it then not provide funding to all such types of power? Why does it not do this in a technology-neutral manner and focus on what Ebba Busch herself usually talks about, output and capacity, instead of pointing out one type of power without having conducted any alternative investigations of the kind that Energimyndigheten, Svenska kraftnät and many other agencies have conducted?

Where are the alternative investigations? Where can we find out this if it is not the case that a single power source has been chosen?

(Applause)

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I urge everyone in here to take note of the nearly 70 measures that the government has decided on and which now provide the lowest electricity prices in four years, even though we are far from satisfied. These are 70 technology-neutral measures for all types of power that shall contribute. One example is a mandate for wind power to deliver more capacity, not just more electricity.

I am happy to discuss this with the opposition. But the alternative to this fossil-free baseload can the Swedish people see on their electricity bill. It is an alternative that no one should want to keep.

(Applause)

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! My question also goes to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren. It will be about fishing.

We have talked a lot about food here, and a good food is precisely fish. Right now, a meeting is taking place with EU Commissioner Kadis down in Simrishamn, at the invitation of Isabella Lövin and the other Swedish MEPs in the fisheries committee. I know that the minister has taken the opportunity to invite him further to Gotland tomorrow. I hope that we all have the same purpose with this, namely to show how it looks in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is a sea in crisis, and we know that measures are needed. Last year, far too high quotas were decided regarding herring and sprat. My question to the Minister is: What measures has the Minister taken to mitigate the decisions made last year so that not all this fish is taken out, but instead can reproduce and become more fish?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Tomorrow, as I said, I am meeting the fisheries commissioner on Gotland. My message will be very clear. It is about recovery. It is about explaining from our perspective, which is well-substantiated, what the situation is in the Baltic Sea, not least for the herring and sprat stocks, and urging caution. We will have discussions about ICES advice, meet small-scale fishers, and so on.

It is very good that the parliamentarians are in Simrishamn today and are meeting the commissioner there.

The Government has presented a marine environment bill, the first of its kind in 15 years. We are now carrying out a trial with a moved trawling limit, approximately 40 nautical miles, along the Baltic Sea coast. Decisions will also be made regarding expanded trawling bans in marine protected areas here today, if I am not misinformed.

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

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

The Minister says that you should talk about these things. These are things that we here in the Swedish Riksdag have agreed upon. We are quite united on these issues. But my question concerned what has been done to reduce the impact of the decisions made last year to have this large withdrawal.

The trawling limit has been moved – good so. I was personally involved in preparing the underlying documents so that it should happen. But we still have the same amount of fish to be caught. It will just be fished in a different place.

Will there be a reallocation of quotas? Will there be a ban on tools?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Emma Nohrén knows very well how the common fisheries policy works. The absolutely most important opportunity we have to take action is during the quota negotiations.

I share the view that the quotas were set too high at the last quota negotiation. We wanted them to be significantly lower. However, I do not mince words in saying that I am satisfied that for the first time we landed on the lowest level in ICES's advice and that we thereby prevented at least 15,000 tonnes of fish from being taken out of the Baltic Sea. It was a step forward, but more needs to be done.

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Joanna Lewerentz (M)

Mr. Speaker! Last week we finally received the updated food strategy 2.0. In Sweden, high-quality sustainable food is produced, but the self-sufficiency rate remains low. That we have access to food in the event of war or crisis is, of course, incredibly important, and a prioritized area in the strategy is precisely robustness. Within that concept is the entire value chain from production to the finished product in the grocery store.

However, for access to food in times of crisis to be possible, profitable production and competitive companies are required even in peacetime. My questions to Minister Kullgren are: How will the updated strategy contribute to increased food production in Sweden? And which measures will now be prioritized to strengthen competitiveness within Swedish agriculture?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I agree with the member that the food we cannot produce when all is peaceful and quiet, we will also not be able to produce when things go wrong, in a crisis situation or ultimately when we find ourselves at war. A strong peacetime agriculture is therefore the best guarantee that we will have food even when things go wrong.

One must see all the measures the government takes as a package, and that is what we try to do by introducing the food strategy. A strategy should point out the direction, that is to say, the government's and the Sweden Democrats' will in these matters. But one must also see what is proposed in the budget bill, namely that we, among other things, strengthen primary production and keep down the costs for agriculture through a reduction in the price of agricultural diesel.

The Research and Innovation Bill shows the direction. Furthermore, we are investing in creating robustness in the Swedish food chain through civil defense initiatives.

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Joanna Lewerentz (M)

Mr. Speaker! As a Minister, I am also very engaged in marine and fisheries issues. Around 75 percent of the fish that we consume in Sweden today is imported, despite the fact that we have a long coastline. It is very good that fishing is also highlighted in the strategy. Fish is in many and much an untapped resource because much of what is fished in the Baltic Sea becomes animal feed.

How does the Minister believe the strategy can contribute to sustainable fishing and ensure that more Swedish-caught fish end up on Swedish plates?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Food from the sea, ocean, and aquaculture on land is good food for us, and that food has historically filled an important function in our preparedness perspective. In the strategy, we have, for the first time, included the blue nutrients. That in itself is central.

When it comes to aquaculture, we are in the final phase of a referral to the Council on Legislation, which will lead to a government bill with proposals for several simplifications for the companies. Then it is a matter of ensuring that more landings go to human consumption. That is the simplest way, and that is also something we are working on.

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Magnus Oscarsson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! My question also goes to the Minister for Rural Affairs, and it also concerns the food strategy, which is currently on the table.

We adopted a strategy in 2017, and it forms the basis for the work we are doing now. The problem was that when we adopted the strategy, the farmers did not notice it. In many places, it is said that the strategy was adopted by the Riksdag, but one wonders what became of it.

How will Sweden's farmers and everyone who works in the green and blue industries notice the impact of the Food Strategy 2.0?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! First and foremost, it is about a unified focus. There is significantly more focus on profitability, competitiveness, and robustness. There are three focus areas concerning robustness, export, as well as Swedish quality and gastronomy.

Just export is important. If we are to increase our production – which we need to do in Sweden – markets for the products are required. Therefore, we will appoint more agricultural counselors and a Food Export Center to get more of Swedish high-quality food out into the world.

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Magnus Oscarsson (KD)

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

Swedish food is truly world-class, and that is a point in the strategy. The Swedish farmers use the least antibiotics in the entire EU.

How shall we ensure that more consumers in the rest of the world get Swedish food on their plates?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! This shall be achieved with the help of what I just mentioned, namely Food Export Center and more agricultural counselors in strategically important markets. Of course, these shall be appointed in close dialogue with the industry. I believe that tax money should be invested in those markets where there are those who are willing to invest their own money. That is where there is the greatest opportunity to achieve success.

We will also facilitate through the existing regulatory framework for exports, that is, make it a bit easier to obtain export approval.

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Elin Nilsson (L)

Mr. Speaker! My question also goes to the Minister for Rural Affairs. He will have to work hard today! It is nice to see that the interest is so great for the issues we have in common.

In my home region of Örebro, more specifically in Mullhyttan in Lekeberg Municipality, we have lived close to the wolf for many years. It is one of Sweden's wolf-densest areas. I find myself in a context at home where the often conflict-ridden wolf issue is debated frequently. One can hardly go into the gas station or Ica or stand by the side of the football pitch without the issue coming up. It both engages and touches, on many levels and on good grounds.

My firm opinion is that we should have a viable wolf population, but it needs to be well managed through license hunting and protection hunting. Here, the government is doing a lot to achieve better management. A lot is happening quickly and on many levels.

What is the latest? What is happening right now?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The Government has been clear in announcing a reference value of 170 wolves. The latest development is that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has come back to the Government with a report on what measures and steps need to be taken to reach that level in a safe manner. The report is currently being prepared.

Now that the Bern Convention has been changed following pressure from among others Sweden, I look forward with anticipation to the commission proceeding with the Birds and Habitats Directives, which will make it easier for us to manage the wolf in Sweden.

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Elin Nilsson (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answer. I also look forward to the commission's statement on the matter.

Regarding the reference value of 170 individuals, how does the government view the importance of staying a bit above the value so as not to reduce the possibilities to make decisions on protection hunting when needed? The stock has, after all, become smaller.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The Government is currently analyzing the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's report. I also think that both parts are important, but most importantly is that we get a smaller wolf population in total. It will also reduce the need for protection hunting.

I request to return in detail regarding what further steps we shall take when the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's report is fully analyzed.

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Mats Wiking (S)

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

Despite seven years of work and a new investment of 700 million kronor, Skolverket is forced to cancel the digital national tests during the spring of 2025. This is occurring due to a security breach where students' personal data has been exposed. Schools across the country must copy paper tests, which, according to Sveriges Lärare, means a total work effort of nearly 5,000 hours, almost seven months of work, for school staff across Sweden.

How does the minister explain to students, teachers, and taxpayers that such an extensive and costly project still does not deliver a functioning and secure solution? What measures does the government intend to take to ensure that a similar failure is not repeated in the future?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for the important question.

Skolverket has had eight years to develop the digital national tests. When they were to be launched, it turned out that there were security problems. Consequently, the decision was made to stop them.

Now the tests will instead be carried out on paper. Skolverket will send out the remaining tests in paper form during the spring so that the teachers will be spared the extra work.

It is naturally incredibly important that the issues are resolved. I expect that there will be a functioning platform by the next school year.

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Angelica Lundberg (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Swedish inventions and innovations have throughout all times played a major role for development in the world. We should be proud of the Swedish innovative power. Without entrepreneurs who have dared to invest in their ideas, Sweden would not be the successful country that it has been historically seen.

At the same time as one must be careful about investing tax money in fantasy projects that are doomed to fail from the very beginning, as Northvolt's bankruptcy has shown us, it is important not to scare away real and important Swedish innovations. The S-government's counterproductive plastic tax led to innovative companies being forced abroad. And the industrial company that develops electric hybrid aircraft will not test-drive its latest innovation in Sweden.

I therefore want to ask the Minister for Enterprise what she intends to do to ensure Sweden's future as an innovation country.

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for the question, Angelica Lundberg!

Sweden is truly a nation built on innovation. That is how we have built our prosperity. And I know that there is a great interest in the chamber for these issues.

For several decades, we have been in the top three in several different both global and European innovation rankings. But it is not something we can take for granted. Now the competition is fierce.

Generally speaking, we know that regulatory simplifications are important. It is also important to prioritize incubators and testbeds and to give innovative companies that want to launch something that does not exist on the market at all the opportunity to do so. We must safeguard that environment.

It is one of the reasons why we four coalition parties are now in agreement on a research and innovation proposal to invest more than ever in Swedish history in also paving the way for those types of companies and innovations for future generations.

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Nadja Awad (V)

Mr. Speaker! Due to this government's policy, it is being warned that over 1 million elderly people today live dangerously close to poverty – over 1 million elderly. They have worked their entire lives, but when the pension arrives, the money is not even enough for the most essential things.

The government is doing nothing about the record-high food prices. They are even making medicine more expensive for the sick. And the rent increases are the highest in ten years. However, the government is giving the very richest 33 billion kronor in tax cuts. These are shameful priorities by Sweden's government.

What does Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch say to Birgitta Sjögren from Växjö, who has worked her whole life and only receives 13,500 kronor in pension? How are the elderly supposed to afford to eat their fill with these high food prices and pay their rents and their medicine?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! It is too expensive to be Swedish. Therefore, we have promised the Swedish people that we will ease the costs. We took over a Sweden that had an inflation of 10 percent but have now succeeded in pressing it down to 2 percent. It is one of the most decisive issues to ensure that hard-working people and people who have worked hard and today live on their pension, their deferred wages, shall have more left at the end of the month.

Furthermore, we have delivered on the promise to push down the politically inflated fuel prices. When we made that promise, fuel prices were at 28 kronor. Now they are at 16 kronor. A large part of that is directly related to what we have done.

Furthermore, we will continue to prioritize lowering taxes both for those who are working and for those who have worked.

(Applause)

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Christofer Bergenblock (C)

Mr. Speaker! Last Monday, I participated in the LRF Halland regional meeting. The Minister for Rural Affairs also participated, through a pre-recorded speech. If the Minister had instead been present at Köinge bygdegård, he would have heard one of the participants tell that he had to go home to the farm to cull a calf, one of many calves born unfit for life due to the viral disease blue tongue.

A total of 462 flocks of sheep and cattle have been affected by blue tongue since the outbreak. Therefore, I have submitted a written question to the Minister regarding what economic and strategic measures he intends to take to stop the spread of the infection. The answer arrived yesterday, and it was that he is following the development but does not plan for any concrete measures.

My question to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren is therefore: Does the Minister mean in all seriousness that agriculture itself shall bear both the cost and the solution when it comes to this serious outbreak?

(Applause)

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I suggest that we read the answer together. The fact that we do nothing or that I simply answer that we are following the developments is not correct, and I read my answers to the written questions carefully.

When it comes to blue tongue, which is a terrible disease, I do not think anyone is unmoved when they hear about the terrible disease and about calves that in some cases are born without a brain.

I know that many farmers already today pay the 80 kronor that a vaccine costs, if they can get hold of it. If the state is to step in and provide support, for example for vaccines, there are EU regulations to work with, and such things take some time. We cannot just decide that we will issue a broad state support to a certain group, it needs to be checked.

I have a good dialogue with both LRF and other actors, of course also the authorities, and am following this development closely as far as it goes. And soon even more will come.

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Camilla Hansén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! The Riksdag is now considering the bill on a ten-year primary school. It is a change that affects the very youngest children in school and their teachers, including when it comes to who will be qualified and licensed to teach in the new grade 1, which we now call preschool class.

The Government refers to the fact that the issue of qualifications shall be decided later through amendments to the ordinance. I and many preschool teachers and teachers in preschool class are already curious about what the Government intends to decide. The country's teachers and preschool teachers cannot be placed in a situation where persons with deep and many-years' knowledge of pedagogy based on play, which, among other things, suits the six-year-olds in preschool class, risk in the long run becoming unqualified to teach six-year-olds in year group 1 of the new ten-year primary school.

How does Lotta Edholm intend to utilize the great competence that exists among the country's preschool teachers in the new primary school?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for a very important question.

Yes, within a couple of years we will finally have a ten-year primary school. This means that the preschool class will become a part of the primary school and not be a separate school form, as it is today. The preschool class will then be covered by the same regulatory framework, the same curriculum, and so on as the rest of the primary school. That is very good. It also means that children with intellectual disabilities will also have the right to attend what will become grade 1.

Just as Camilla Hansén says, there are problems with the qualifications for preschool teachers versus primary school teachers and so on. I must ask to return to this, because it is absolutely not clear yet. But it is naturally being discussed now.

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Mats Sander (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Energy and Business Ebba Busch.

At a seminar here in the Riksdag this week, new large-scale baseload and also the role of nuclear power in the electricity system were discussed. Several actors highlighted the importance of long-term financing and predictable permitting processes and the need for regional anchoring. Skåne in particular was highlighted as a key region for both production and consumption.

How does the Minister view Skåne's role in the ongoing energy planning? And what initiatives can we expect to strengthen the electricity supply in southern Sweden in both the short and slightly longer term?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you for the question, Mats Sander!

Skåne and the entire Öresund region, as well as the Baltic Sea region for that part, is an incredibly important growth engine for Sweden. Therefore, it is problematic that we have a situation where, over the last decade plus, we have added installed production capacity of 13,000 megawatts – that is a huge amount – but can only consume 340 megawatts more.

Those who feel this most are the people in Skåne, for example, entrepreneurs who want to start new factories but are told no because there is no guaranteed electricity.

We are working in the long term to pave the way for new nuclear power. Today, a historic announcement was made that we hope for broad support for here in this chamber. We also have almost 70 measures concerning getting more power out of all the electricity produced now. We provide incentives for wind power – more shall be able to say yes. We invest in combined heat and power. We are also conducting pilot studies on gas turbines and other support services to support, not least, Skåne.

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Hans Eklind (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Debate should not be governed by either prejudice or ignorance. But unfortunately, this is present in the attacks on Christian independent schools, often voiced by those who claim to be understanding but turn out to be religious illiterates.

Christian independent schools have a very mixed student composition. The majority of the students are not church-active. The proportion of students with a foreign background is clearly higher than the national average. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate's national school survey shows that at Christian schools, performance is better than the national average regarding issues concerning versatility and students' safety but also tolerance.

But the School Inspectorate is apparently to devote itself to these approximately 60 schools with a confessional orientation, where barely 1 percent of the students are located, while at the same time 2 percent of the students are staying at home. In Stockholm, it turns out that over 1,000 students are not even present for half of the teaching.

My question to the Minister for Education is: Is this a reasonable prioritization?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for an important question.

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate has somewhat different missions. An important part is the supervision of independent schools. It is clear that we have had major problems in a part of the confessional free schools in Sweden. Over the years, a number of them have also been forced to close because, for example, irregularities and extremism have occurred – hence the special mission that the Swedish Schools Inspectorate has to review independent schools specifically when it concerns Islamism and other extremism. That these problems have been pointed out is the background for why a special review is being conducted.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

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

The government has said that climate policy should be coherent and long-term, but right now it feels very fragmented. At the government's press conference on the policy instrument investigation, Minister for Climate and Environment Romina Pourmokhtari said that agriculture will need to take greater responsibility for the climate transition. But in the new food strategy, which the Minister for Rural Affairs presented last week, no climate goals have been included. Instead, it is stated that it will be difficult to reduce emissions from agriculture while simultaneously increasing production.

My question is: How does the Minister view the fact that the government is sending mixed signals regarding emission reductions within the agricultural sector, and who should the farmers listen to?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I think all of Sweden's farmers should listen to those who say: We see that you are among the best in the world in terms of climate consideration, environmental consideration, animal welfare, and low antibiotic use. And this is something that I and the Minister for Climate and Environment say – both of us at the same time.

Now that we are so good in Sweden at producing food with consideration for the climate and the environment, what happens then if we reduce Swedish food production? Would it benefit the climate? No, it only leads to one thing, and that is that we instead import food that has had a greater negative impact on the climate, the environment, and the animals.

(Applause)

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Johnny Svedin (SD)

Mr. Speaker! A recent report from Interpol shows an increase in global financial crime such as advanced cyberattacks and financial fraud against companies. From a Sweden Democrat perspective, where the protection of Swedish business is prioritized, we consider it highly relevant to demand tougher measures against such crime. Small and medium-sized enterprises with limited security resources are extra vulnerable and thus risk impaired competitiveness.

In view of this, I would like to ask Minister Ebba Busch: Is the government working to strengthen the cooperation between the business community and the justice system to better protect Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises against these threats?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The short answer to Johnny Svedin's question is: Yes, we do.

We live in incredibly uncertain and insecure times. It is evident in our external security threats in the form of the risk of military attacks on European territory. It is evident in how the four coalition parties are now securing space to heavily arm the defense. But it is evident least of all on the civilian side, where cyberattacks now affect much of our business sector and lead to risks for other critical infrastructure.

This is, therefore, a high-priority issue. In December last year, the government tasked the Swedish Police Authority, the Economic Crime Authority, and the Swedish Tax Agency with establishing a financial intelligence center, which I believe can be of great use against this, in addition to the close dialogue we have with both banks and banking associations to also attempt to counter it with force that way.

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Karin Rågsjö (V)

Mr. Speaker! My question is directed to Minister Busch.

It is hard economic times now in Sweden for very many people, with skyrocketing food prices. The falukorv the minister held during the election campaign would cost 30 percent more today. Rents are rising, interest rates are being kept up, and electricity bills are digging deep holes in household budgets. On top of that, we have an unemployment rate of 10 percent.

The government and the Sweden Democrats now also want to increase the co-payment in the high-cost protection for medicines, even though many are already forced to choose to forgo medicine for economic reasons. What does the minister want to say to the hard-working single mother who will not be able to afford to buy good food – as various surveys show – for herself or her children, or to pay for the children's medicine?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! It is a very tough situation for many households and not least for single-person households. The costs for medicines have risen sharply in recent years. I want to be straight with that. It is an increase of 6 billion. Now we expect to allocate approximately 41 billion to the medicine benefits. This is, therefore, still a very prioritized issue in the state budget. It is also the case that we ensure and safeguard that patients with extensive medicine needs continue to receive free access to medicines from the same level of medicine costs as before the adjustment. These are important measures.

If we had continued to have a red-green government in Sweden, we would not have seen a reduction of the inflation level from 10 to 2 percent. Then, ordinary working families with two normal incomes would not have received approximately 11,000 kronor in tax reliefs and other reliefs. An important promise that we delivered on was the reduction of fuel prices, which have now gone from 28 to 16.

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Anders Karlsson (C)

Mr. Speaker! I have a question for Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren.

The government's food strategy 2.0 has now reached us. There is much that is good, such as strengthened agricultural education, a focus on profitability, and investments in aquaculture. It is good that fishing was included in the strategy and that production throughout the country is in focus.

Something that is disappointing, however, is that there is a lack of target setting for the increase of food production. It is also the case that such a strategy clearly needs to take into account that Europe is in a state of war and that it is a generally uncertain situation.

Despite the investments in fishing, the decision to move the trawl limit from northern Öland to Gävle causes many small-scale fishers to give up. They will stand still from February 1. When will the minister take measures to maintain small-scale fishing in the Baltic Sea's trial area? It is something that should be prioritized.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The process of developing the food strategy has been very important. It has ensured that we have not waited for a finished product before commissioning investigations into what the companies have requested most, not least within primary production.

When it comes to regulatory simplification, there is the competitiveness investigation. When it comes to control within the food sector, there is the control investigation. We have ensured to push through more research funding to the sector. We have now also sent 746 million more in the CAP system to our primary producers. That is what I mean when I say that the process of developing the Food Strategy 2.0 has been extremely important.

I know that the member has a good grasp of how it works with the decision on the relocated trawling limit. It concerns international agreements. Here we have had with others. It was not possible to get through exceptions for these fishers. I can state that HaV, together with Jordbruksverket and SLU, is working to achieve a solution as good as possible for the affected fishers in order to alleviate the consequences.

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Märta Stenevi (MP)

Mr. Speaker! In this year's child poverty report, one in three single parents testify that they have difficulty eating enough to be full. Almost half have had to borrow money for rent or food during the last half-year.

At the same time as rents are increasing sharply this year and food prices are skyrocketing, medicines are also becoming more expensive. It should be worth it to work, the government says time and again in the debate. But single parents in low-wage jobs can no longer manage on their wages, and it is the children who are truly paying the price.

Mr. Speaker! Child poverty in Sweden is now an acute crisis. Despite this, the government will, at the mid-year turn, choke off the temporary supplement to the housing allowance. For a single parent, it will mean that she will lose 600 kronor a month. It is an enormous sum when one lacks margins.

My question is addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch. It is perhaps more of a plea than a question. It is simple and actually only requires a simple answer. Will the government show mercy to the most vulnerable families with children and extend the supplement to the housing allowance?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I want to start by thanking Märta Stenevi for the question and for shedding light on the incredibly tough situation that many have in Sweden today.

We are now presenting a spring budget amendment from the government. There will also be notifications in a spring bill later in the spring. Then we will make a new budget for next year. Supporting households in this tough situation is a very high priority for our four coalition parties.

It must be that we both look at measures that make it more profitable to work, drive growth and secure our welfare, and ensure that we support those who have the toughest margins.

Some, which may be marginal changes, we will be able to meet in a spring amendment budget. Other measures will need to be revisited in a new consolidated budget for next year.

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Ann-Charlotte Hammar Johnsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to the Minister for Enterprise and Energy, Ebba Busch.

The government has a way forward where the business perspective is in focus. It has been written into the regulatory letters that consideration must be given to the business perspective. Work is being done with an implementation council to remove gold-plating, and a simplification council has been introduced so that the regulatory burden and the bureaucracy will decrease.

The Simplification Council has recently, this month, submitted its first proposal to reduce the regulatory burden for companies to the Minister for Enterprise. Naturally, this arouses curiosity and great interest. Many companies have over the years witnessed what it is like to have regulatory complications and bureaucracy in their daily lives. It hinders both growth and competitiveness.

With this in mind, I want to ask the Minister: What happens now? What does the continued work in the Government Offices look like?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the member for the question. Simplification issues are my absolute favorite questions.

It is very true that we are pursuing a very offensive simplification agenda. It is one of the major priorities in the business sector. It is comprehensive both for the domestic level and for the EU level, as the member very rightly points out. The Simplification Council and the Implementation Council complement each other very nicely here.

Exactly two weeks ago, I received the first proposal from the Simplification Council. It was a very nice moment, I must say. That specific proposal simply concerned van cars and how today's rules make it unnecessarily expensive and difficult for small business owners to have such a vehicle.

When the proposals come from the Simplification Council in this way, they are practically investigated. This allows us to have a fast process internally at the Government Offices. More proposals will arrive before the summer, and we look forward to maintaining a high pace.

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Isak From (S)

Mr. Speaker! The Tidö government has now passed the halfway point of the mandate period. Bankruptcies are pouring in, food prices are rising, purchasing power is falling, and unemployment is soon to be the highest in the EU.

Now, Sweden's largest bankruptcy of all time is also a fact. Skellefteå in all its glory, and it is strong, but with 3,000 potentially new unemployed people in a municipality, any municipality would scream loudly.

The government has said that they have the entire toolbox in their hands. But for now, we have to rely on Ebba Busch's faith that it will work out.

Sweden, the industry, and the EU have clarified that we need to strengthen competitiveness and have battery production. Today, there are many speculators who have an interest in the assets in Northvolt's bankruptcy estate.

We Social Democrats were very clear that we are not going to criticize the government for what it does in this issue, but definitely for what it does not do.

What does the Minister for Energy and Business say? What is the government going to do, and what is the government going to do for Skellefteå?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I was there myself the day after the heavy news about Northvolt's bankruptcy. We have been a large team that has shared many resources and working hours over the past seven months to support Northvolt during a very protracted and long period of difficulties. To stand together with the employees on-site at the Northvolt factory outside Skellefteå was incredibly heavy.

The value in Northvolt lies in the factory itself, and now they are producing more than ever. But it also lies, not least, in the competence of the employees on site. There are also many who have been with them through several rounds.

We are working in close cooperation with the bankruptcy administrator and in close dialogue with the municipality and the region. We will present several measures in the near future to support the best possible new owner. It is in Sweden's interest, and we shall ensure that we continue to provide support.

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Sara Gille (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Sweden shall be a country where women have full freedom to work, study, and be able to dress as they wish. Despite this, we see a religious fundamentalism in certain groups that limits women's freedom through gender segregation, forced wearing of the veil already at a young age, and social control.

Many women in segregated areas testify to threats and ostracization if they break these norms. At the same time, certain organizations receive state support despite opposing Swedish gender equality values. It is unacceptable that tax money is used to maintain structures that oppress women.

My question goes to Minister for Equality Paulina Brandberg. How is the government working to ensure that religious norms do not limit women's freedom in Sweden, and how is the funding of organizations that oppose equality being stopped?

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Statsrådet Paulina Brandberg (L)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you to the member for the question and for the member's commitment regarding issues concerning honor-related violence and oppression! It is a commitment that I truly share.

Just as the member says, Sweden should be a country where everyone – boys and girls, men and women – should be able to decide completely over their own lives. We know that today there are far too many who do not have that possibility.

We would like to give tax money to organizations that work to combat and prevent this problem. We must absolutely not give tax money to organizations that work in the other direction.

The government is working on introducing democracy conditions for state grants. The National Audit Office has conducted an analysis of the Gender Equality Authority's grant awarding. Work is also ongoing there to ensure that we close gaps so that the money goes where it belongs.

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Niels Paarup-Petersen (C)

Mr. Speaker! In case anyone has missed it: I am from Skåne. The people of Skåne would very much like to have more electricity, and they would like to have it cheaper than it is in the current situation. Unfortunately, they have instead received higher electricity taxes from the government in several rounds.

Today, the government presented that they want to pay 400 billion in nuclear power subsidies to the companies. It will result in higher electricity bills, and it will potentially have an effect in 15 years. It is not exactly what we need in Skåne, so to speak.

At the same time, the government says no to things that can more quickly provide more and cheaper electricity, which the Swedes really need. I am thinking, for example, of offshore wind west of Bornholm. For those who wonder about the geography, I can say that west of Bornholm is not located between Sweden and Kaliningrad.

I want to ask Energy Minister Ebba Busch: Should I go home to the people of Skåne and tell them that they have to pay more to get less electricity for a longer period just because the government is locked into one type of energy instead of being open to the many other possibilities that exist?

(Applause)

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I think the energy debate is worth facts. Seriously: I do not understand how one, as a member of Sweden's highest decision-making assembly, can stand here and pose a question to the government with a statement to the entire Swedish people about 100 billion in subsidies – for something that is a loan. It is not honest. It is directly incorrect – if I am not to use an even harsher word.

We have used electricity certificates for wind power since 2003. It eventually amounted to over 70 billion, which went towards subsidizing a power source. It was a subsidy. Here we are talking about a loan that is to be repaid.

It is also directly incorrect to say that we do not do things in the short term. There are many measures that the industry has requested and which serve Skåne well. The repurchasing of Öresundsverket is one of the almost 70 measures. And we are happy to do more together with Centerpartiet.

(Applause)

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Daniel Vencu Velasquez Castro (S)

Mr. Speaker! It has been three years since Ebba Busch became Minister for Enterprise in Sweden. A great deal was promised to the Swedish people, but the fact remains: after nearly three years with Ebba Busch as Minister for Enterprise, we have record-high unemployment. The bankruptcies continue. Small companies continue to go under – companies that are important job creators and companies that are engines of integration in Sweden. This means that the work on integration specifically will be further hindered.

This government has prioritized lowering taxes for the very richest and introduced luxury-rot. It has not worked. Unemployment remains high. It is rising, and the bankruptcies continue.

I would like to know what new messages Ebba Busch has for the country's entrepreneurs so that they do not risk going under.

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! We have had a very tough post-pandemic period. Many companies have gone under recently – it is incredibly heavy. They have done it almost as in an extension of the pandemic. That is what much of the statistics show. It is heavy regardless of the reason.

The government is now pursuing an offensive agenda of regulatory simplification. We know, in fact, that this is one of the most decisive individual factors for people to dare to start companies or to get their companies to grow. This is something we shall complete.

In addition to that, we have succeeded in curbing inflation, even though the cost level is still high. We have established a new job tax credit. We have expanded the growth support for small businesses – specifically. It is about more places in vocational training, about establishment jobs, about a clear strengthening of SFI, and about strengthened support for Arbetsförmedlingen's work with people who are far from the labor market. It is a large array of measures. There will be more.

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Sofia Amloh (S)

Mr. Speaker! All of civil society speaks with one voice to describe how families with children are doing today and, in particular, what the brutal reality of single mothers looks like. Many of them are working full-time and cannot manage to pay their most necessary expenses.

Then the government chooses not to increase the child allowance, despite the fact that we Social Democrats have repeatedly said this in this chamber. They actively choose to remove the extra housing supplement now until the summer. It will affect and impact 100,000 families with children, and it will drive and increase child poverty.

What does the Minister for Equality have to say to all the hard-working mothers out there who are struggling and who are going to have it even tougher?

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Energi- och näringsministern Ebba Busch (KD)

Mr. Speaker! There are several here in the chamber who have been looking into the tough situation for households in Sweden in general and not least for households with a single income. We know that it is often women who take primary responsibility for the children after a divorce or similar. They are therefore in an extra tough situation.

This is something that the government is very aware of. That is why we now, in our supplementary budget – where there should be fewer and more marginal changes – are in different ways focusing on stimulating the economy and supporting households in these tough times.

But the autumn budget is not a complete budget. It is to be amendments – hence the name. How we can continue to support households – not least the most vulnerable households, where many single women are found – will be an important issue for the government to return to, not least in the large budget work in the autumn.

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Patrick Reslow (SD)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Lotta Edholm.

The Sweden Democrats and the government are carrying out intensive work to combat crime and insecurity in society – a commendable effort. But insecurity and crime have also crept into our schools. We see how the use of drugs is increasing. We see how the sale of drugs is increasing. We have read in newspapers about how gangs gather outside the schools and have drug sales and how they enter the schools and recruit students so that they shall be involved in the drug sales.

My question to the Minister is: What measures does the Minister intend to take to address the problem with the use and sale of drugs in our schools?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you for a very important question.

Yes, unfortunately, it is the case that crime is also creeping into the school world. Just as the member says, we can see it when it comes to drug sales. But we have also recently had terrible examples of violence in Swedish schools and in the education system.

That is why the government has worked with the various proposals from the School Safety Inquiry – so that they can enter into force shortly.

That includes, among other things, that the school shall ensure that the school's premises are free from unauthorized persons, that the school shall have the right to search bags if required, and that the school shall actively work on crime prevention. One will also have an obligation to report crimes to the police.

It is incredibly important that the school is a safe and secure place for both students and those who work there.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Mr. Speaker! Our democratic system is based on free elections where political parties compete for mandates in municipalities, regions, and the Riksdag. In order for these mandates to be filled, committed party members are required.

For many Swedes, it is the political engagement that is greatest when they are in upper secondary school and have classmates and teachers they can discuss politics with. It is precisely that engagement that we in all parties want to be able to capture and utilize.

Last week, I participated in a political debate at Westerlundska gymnasiet in Enköping. All the parliamentary parties' youth wings were also present on site. There were book tables and plenty of meetings with high school students. But in many municipalities, for example Södertälje, principals or school managers have chosen to completely ban political parties from the schools, which means that many students never have the opportunity to meet political representatives.

My question is: How does Education Minister Lotta Edholm intend to act so that all upper secondary school students, in all of Sweden's municipalities, shall be given the opportunity to meet and interact with politicians in an organized manner?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Jacob Risberg, for a very important question!

I, as a former youth union politician, naturally share the view that it is important that upper secondary school students receive knowledge and opportunities to discuss and so on.

This question has been discussed for many, many years. Different schools simply view it differently, and it can be a difficult question for a school to solve because one also, for example, must be able to ensure safety.

I do not dare to say today what work is ongoing regarding the issue, but I will take it with me to the department.

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Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister for Education Lotta Edholm.

The curriculum investigation has recently been presented and is now out for consultation. The mandate has been to improve the conditions for students' learning and to increase knowledge development. One problem area is the declining study results for students and that the differences are increasing between those who know the most and those who have the lowest knowledge.

There is also a great concern that the changed role of the teacher makes it more difficult to recruit teachers. The teacher's role has become more guiding instead of knowledge-conveying.

The teachers are, of course, the most important resources in the school, and we must both ensure that we retain the teachers and ensure that we can recruit more teachers. My question to the Minister for Education is therefore: How can we work actively to be able to sharpen and strengthen the teacher role?

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Statsrådet Lotta Edholm (L)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström, for this very important question!

It is exactly as the member says: The teacher is the absolute most important prerequisite for children and students to be able to receive the knowledge they have a right to. It is about learning to read, write, and count, as well as obtaining good factual knowledge.

We are currently working on a number of investigations where the teacher's role is central. This concerns, for example, the curriculum investigation but also the investigation on safety and study environment as well as the investigation on teachers' administrative burden.

As a common thread in these various investigations is precisely how one can strengthen the teachers' authority and role in the school, for example by ensuring that it is actually the teacher who decides over the teaching in Swedish school.

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Adrian Magnusson (S)

Mr. Speaker! My question is addressed to Minister Brandberg.

An industry that is currently suffering under labor market crime is the construction industry. According to the police, it is estimated that 20 percent of black incomes in Sweden come from the construction industry, which corresponds to approximately 18 billion kronor.

This is not just a question of fueling criminal gangs and other shady actors; it is also a question of human exploitation, unfair competition, and the dumping of working conditions. Construction workers from Sweden and from all over the world are simply faring very poorly in the order that currently applies.

In the current order, it is not uncommon for there to be 200 subcontractors on a construction site. This obviously greatly increases the risk of fraud and crime. The trade union Byggnads has proposed that the number of subcontractor leads be limited to two. The construction company Veidekke has agreed to the proposal.

One can therefore conclude that unions and employers agree that something must be done. Is the government prepared to come forward with proposals to limit the chain of subcontractors in the construction industry to, for example, two?

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Statsrådet Paulina Brandberg (L)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, member, for the question!

This is a very pressing issue. We absolutely see widespread crime in the working life across several industries in our society, and the construction industry is one such industry.

The government is working on a broad front regarding the issue. I myself recently received a report from the Delegation against crime in the working life, which among other things has looked specifically at the construction industry and seen what measures can be implemented there.

We have also, from the government's side, stepped up the joint authority work with joint authority inspections, among other things at our regional centers against labor crime. We have also removed the confidentiality barriers that previously made cooperation between authorities impossible.

The question of the subcontracting chain is, of course, also an important piece of the puzzle to look at. I can state that it is now an issue being raised at the EU level, and we will follow it closely to see what we should do here at home.

Question time was hereby concluded.

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