Society's crisis preparedness

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! Today we shall debate the committee report on Society's Crisis Preparedness, which concerns society's crisis preparedness, protection against accidents and so on. These are important issues that encompass everything from civil defense and nuclear power to VMA and defibrillators. There are 103 motions from the general motion period 2024/25.

The world is more uncertain and unpredictable than it has been in a long time, and we have a war in Europe. This summer, Nato is expected to agree on a new target for the member countries' defense expenditures. The assessment is that the new target could be between 3 and 4 percent of GDP. To manage such a large rearmament in a short period, the coalition parties agree that Sweden needs to borrow for new military defense expenditures during a transition period, and that the rearmament of the defense must not displace important welfare needs or investments in internal security.

If Sweden's defense expenditures as a share of GDP were to amount to 3 ½ percent by 2030, it could involve a loan-financed defense investment totaling up to 300 billion kronor by 2034. The Government and Sverigedemokraterna agree on a financing model which implies that the largest part of the financing initially occurs via loans and successively transitions to balance from 2035 onwards.

This is an enormous investment. It feels secure for Stockholm, Sweden, Europe, and specifically for Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine are fighting an existential struggle. They are not just fighting for their own future but for the security of all of Europe. They are resisting a brutal invasion, an aggressor that wants to crush their independence, and they do so with a strength and determination that inspires us all. We have seen them defend their cities, their homes, and their future, and we have a duty to continue to give them our support.

That is why it feels really good that the government is now providing the largest support package to Ukraine to date. You are increasing the Swedish support for 2025 to 29.5 billion kronor so that Ukraine can defend itself and so that Ukraine will prevail. Many are on the ground in Ukraine, including MSB, to help rebuild what Putin is destroying. It is good, and it inspires hope.

I stand here today as a representative for the Moderaterna with a clear focus: to invest in a robust and future-proof crisis preparedness for our society. In a time when we face new and complex threats, both nationally and internationally, it is of utmost importance that we ensure all parts of our society are well-prepared. Our focus must lie on building a sustainable strategy that not only handles today's challenges but also creates the conditions for a secure future for us all.

In the committee's report on society's crisis preparedness, the importance of strengthening our structures and resources so that we can respond quickly and effectively in a crisis is emphasized. As a Moderate, I emphasize that this is not solely about state resources and agency actions, but also about strengthening our entire civil society. An active and engaged civil society is a cornerstone of a robust crisis preparedness. With citizens, non-profit organizations, and local initiatives as support in difficult times, we can together create a strong defense against the threats directed at our way of life.

We learn and must learn much from the challenges that the war in Ukraine has brought. Ukraine has shown how important it is to have a preparedness that goes beyond merely state mechanisms, where both civil society's engagement and rapid operational interventions are crucial. It is a lesson that we must take with us that cooperation between authorities, the business sector, and civil society is a prerequisite for meeting crises with speed and determination. By combining these elements, we can create a resilient infrastructure that withstands today's and tomorrow's challenges.

Mr. Speaker! A central part of this strategy is to ensure that our defense mechanisms are not split or weakened by disagreement. That is why I, in line with the committee's proposal, move that the Riksdag rejects all motions in this matter. By doing so, we show that we have a common, coordinated strategy where resources and responsibilities are placed in the right place, namely on strengthening the efforts that are crucial for the country's security and welfare.

Mr. Speaker! This report also covers coast guard, and it is something that I particularly want to highlight.

Our country, with its long coastline, is dependent on an effective and well-equipped coast guard that can meet both traditional security threats and new, modern challenges. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I note that the government is investing extra funds of 50 million kronor to increase the operational capability of the coast guard. This investment is a signal that we do not compromise on security at our borders but instead reinforce our defense with the resources required to operate in an increasingly complex global environment.

I would also like to highlight civil service, which is an issue that I have worked on for quite some time.

In the preparatory works, there are proposals regarding civil service, which is part of the total defense obligation where military service and general service obligation are also included. The total defense obligation applies to all who are Swedish citizens and those who are permanently resident in Sweden from the beginning of the calendar year they turn 16 until the end of the calendar year they turn 70.

An activation of the civil duty means that we in Sweden will have a better opportunity to plan and strengthen the personnel supply within specific operations. The civil duty is already activated within municipal rescue services and the electricity supply area, and now they are looking further into the healthcare area. It is really good!

For us Moderates, it is important to create the conditions for a stable and strong society, where we dare to make the necessary decisions. This means that we are not afraid to say no to motions that risk splitting the cohesion and determination that we need right now. Instead, we choose to agree on a strategy that integrates state interventions, civil society engagement, as well as an enhanced operational capacity within our critical security areas.

With a combination of lessons from international crises, a strong commitment to civil society and an upgraded coast guard, we lay the foundation for a crisis preparedness that is both resilient and future-oriented. It is through such a holistic view that we can guarantee that our country stands strong, regardless of what challenges lie ahead of us.

(Applause)

In this speech, Mats Sander (M) agreed.

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

Lena Johansson (S)

Mr. Speaker! I want to begin by stating that I stand behind all our reservations, but I also choose to move for approval of reservation 36.

We live in a time where society's resilience is being tested from several sides simultaneously. We find ourselves in a time characterized by rapid changes, increased security policy tensions, and climate change. Technological shifts and a changed global situation place higher demands on society's ability to prevent and manage crises and to recover after them.

In this situation, it is crucial that we develop a robust and coordinated crisis preparedness and a civil defense where people's safety is put first. Then we must ask ourselves: How do we do this – not just on paper but in reality, in everyday life, and when it matters?

We Social Democrats believe that people's security must be at the center. The water must flow from the tap, the fire truck must be able to get through, and information must reach out in time. Society must function even under pressure. To reach that requires investments in structures, systems, and people, and that collective responsibility is taken. Civil duty is such an investment. We want to see an expansion that strengthens both the preparedness and the sense of solidarity. We Social Democrats believe that civil duty should be expanded. By activating more individuals in society's preparedness structure, one strengthens both the crisis preparedness and Sweden's democratic resilience.

Mr. Speaker! The crisis does not stop at the nation's borders. We therefore see a value in deepening the common Nordic preparedness and strengthening cooperation during a crisis. Sweden and our neighboring countries face similar threat pictures. Closer cooperation regarding exercises, resources, and operational capacity is therefore both effective and wise. It is about taking advantage of people's will to contribute and about spreading knowledge, creating engagement, and practicing responsibility in normal times so that it will function in crises.

Mr. Speaker! At the same time, we know that our own rescue services are under pressure – not least the part-time fire brigade, which plays a key role in both everyday life and crises but which today struggles with recruitment problems and unclear conditions. We believe that the state needs to take greater responsibility to secure the rescue service's sustainability, especially during high alert. Recruitment of part-time firefighters is an important issue for Sweden's crisis preparedness.

We mean that the conditions for recruitment and employment within the rescue services need to be reviewed. It is not reasonable that the entire responsibility for rescue services during high alert rests on the municipalities. Today, the responsibility is fragmented, but a unified agency would create clarity, power, and direction in both planning and operations. We want to see an agency established with responsibility for rescue services, accident protection, and protection for the civilian population. It would provide a clearer distribution of responsibility and strengthen the operational capability.

In connection with this, one also needs to review the law on protection against accidents. We believe that the law on protection against accidents, LSO, should be reviewed and adapted to today's conditions, including new types of threats and climate-related risks. The law was written in a different time. Today's threat pictures are different – climate-related, technological, and unpredictable. We need legislation that responds to reality, not to history.

Climate change is an example of threats. They affect our preparedness. Forest fires, floods, and droughts are no longer exceptions but recurring events. Therefore, our crisis preparedness needs to be climate-adapted through reinforced protection of water and sewage systems, improved drinking water supply, and an updated system for natural disasters. The climate strategy should also be integrated into the total defense's preparedness.

Mr. Speaker! We must also address the growing threats in the form of bombings and acts of violence. We see a worrying increase in explosions in Sweden. We therefore want to introduce licensing of explosives, where personal responsibility is clarified and where background checks and traceability can prevent explosives from falling into the wrong hands.

We also want the government to appoint a national task force with the capacity to quickly support affected municipalities in the event of bombings through coordination, expert assistance, and resources. It is about prevention, not reaction.

Mr. Speaker! In a crisis, information is crucial. Therefore, VMA, important public announcement, needs to be developed so that warnings can be sent directly to mobile phones with geographical precision, speed, and reliability. It is an obvious mission in a digital age.

We also want national ID tags to be investigated. During evacuation, medical care, or resource distribution, a simple ID tag can be crucial. We believe that MSB should be tasked with investigating the conditions for introducing national ID tags. It is about ensuring identification during evacuation, resource distribution, and the protection of the civilian population.

Mr. Speaker! It is not enough to have strategies in folders. We must practice together – state, municipality and civil society. It is through cooperation that resilience becomes strong. We stand in a time that demands action, coordination and faith in the future.

We Social Democrats believe in a strong society built on common preparedness, common responsibility, and common trust. That is how we prepare Sweden – in normal times, in crisis, and ultimately in war.

(Applause)

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

Mikael Oscarsson (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Today we are debating the Committee on Defence's report number 4 on society's crisis preparedness. I would like to begin by moving for the approval of the committee's proposal in the report and the rejection of all reservations.

It has already been said that we are in a significantly deteriorated security policy situation. We have an ongoing war in Europe, in Ukraine. It is three and a half years since the full-scale invasion began, and it continues still. It is a war that Ukraine is fighting not only for its own sake but for Europe's sake. There are more countries that could come into question for the fallen Russian empire.

It is of the utmost importance that we continue to support Ukraine, which we have done in unity in the Riksdag. We presented the 19th support package a few days ago. We are making substantial investments to help with ammunition and purchases so that they can continue to defend themselves and then negotiate with strength.

Mr. Speaker! This is something that also affects our country. The Danish security service warned some time ago that Russia, within two years after a war's end, could be ready for a new regional war. After five years, they could be ready for a major war. This was also confirmed by Must, our own security service, when they presented their report recently.

This shows the importance of what we are doing today, for both us in the chamber and for you who are watching this on TV. These are serious times. Delay means danger when we find ourselves in the toughest security policy situation since the Second World War. It is required that we make these investments and that it does not just become words but actual action. The budget now goes from 2.4 percent of GDP up to 3.5 percent.

Mr. Speaker! It is not strange that it costs to get this in order. It is no stranger than when one has a house and for a long time does not invest the money required for maintenance and repairs.

Unfortunately, Sweden, together with the rest of Europe, with the exception of Finland, made major cuts after the end of the Cold War. For example, the army was reduced by 90 percent. Now we are making real investments in every branch of the defense but also in civil defense. This is important for Sweden and our security, but also as a partner in Nato.

This is an awakening. We in Europe must be able to defend our own continent. For a long time, we have been free-riding on America. Europe has not paid the insurance premium. Even Barack Obama said in his time that there must be no free riders, but that is how it has been.

Now we make the investments that are required. As already mentioned, a summit will be held in The Hague at midsummer. At that time, a goal of around 3.5 percent will likely be established, a goal that the entire Nato will have. This is important for our and for Europe's security but also for our opportunity to continue supporting Ukraine. It is pleasing that we have such great unity in the Riksdag on these issues. We are in agreement on the investments that are important for us all.

Today's debate is about civil defense. No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Civil and military defense are two sides of the same coin. Therefore, it is now important that we continue the journey with investments, something that also appears in the report. In 2021, the state invested 1.4 billion on civil defense. Now we are going up to 8.5 billion, and it continues upward.

It is important that the orders that are made and the commitments for civil preparedness that we request from society are met with funds. We must provide the money that is required.

If we arm for war, it is about deterring so that there is never a war. But, Mr. Speaker, when we arm for war and have a civil preparedness ready, we also handle crises much better. We manage forest fires, cyberattacks, and all other attacks that we may face in a completely different way than before. This is necessary to withstand a war, but it is also something that the entire Swedish society benefits from.

The report shows that we are reintroducing refresher training and expanding the civil obligation. Already in 2023, the government activated the obligation to complete refresher training with civil obligation within municipal rescue services, operation and maintenance, electricity production, and grid operations. We see from the war in Ukraine that Russia does not care about the war; there are laws of war that they do not care about. They have, for example, targeted the power supply. Therefore, it is important that we now recreate this capability. In this way, we can manage if we are subjected to, for example, sabotage on our power lines.

We are also making major investments in cybersecurity. We see that such things have been important in Ukraine given how Russia has acted. It is important that Sweden becomes a secure marketplace. The entire society benefits from us strengthening cybersecurity in various ways.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is pleasing to see that municipalities and regions from around the country are present here. Within the military, they have exercises, but now exercises are also being carried out civilly. At the municipal and regional level, they practice, for example, how it would go with the food supply for elderly care homes and schools. This is what is so important, because it is during exercises that we see what works but also what does not work or what must be strengthened. It is when we arm ourselves together that we will manage this. That is how we ensure that we can continue to live in peace and freedom.

(Applause)

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

Björn Söder (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Society's crisis preparedness is one of our most fundamental protective mechanisms. It constitutes the very backbone of our ability to handle serious events, whether it concerns natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, or in the worst case, an armed attack. A well-functioning crisis preparedness creates security for the citizens, maintains society's vital functions, and contributes to strengthening trust in the state and our institutions.

When the crisis strikes, it is too late to start preparing. By then, the systems must already be in place – practiced and functioning. Modern society faces a complex and unpredictable threat landscape, more unpredictable than ever before. We need a coherent crisis preparedness that is both robust and adapted to contemporary reality. In this context, civil defense is absolutely crucial. It includes both rescue services and supply preparedness as well as the protection of critical infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker! An important part of crisis preparedness is the rescue services. Before the rescue services in Sweden were fully municipalized in 2004, with the exception of certain national and specialized rescue operations, the state, through the state civil defense organizations, was largely responsible for fire protection and rescue operations. With the responsibility for the rescue services being transferred to the municipalities, each municipality received responsibility for organizing and maintaining a functioning rescue service. This meant that the municipalities gained greater freedom to adapt the rescue services to local needs and conditions, while it simultaneously became possible to coordinate operations between municipalities through cooperation agreements.

The intentions were good, and for some municipalities, it worked well. But the municipal rescue services have, overall, faced several challenges that have caused them not to always function as intended. Some of the main reasons are lack of resources and economic challenges, staff shortages and recruitment problems, increased complexity, new threat landscapes, coordination problems between municipalities, unclear role and responsibility distribution, and lack of investment in training and technology.

We consider it obvious that a complete turnaround is needed regarding Swedish rescue services in order to be able to meet the new societal challenges and threats. If the state reclaimed ownership of the rescue services, a uniform standard could be ensured throughout the country. Such a solution would also facilitate coordination and resource allocation during major incidents and disasters, which in itself is crucial to ensuring an effective and rapid response.

We must build a rescue service system that is dimensioned for the threats of the future, not just for everyday challenges. For that reason, we believe that the government should investigate whether the state should once again become the primary authority for the rescue service, at least when it comes to rescue operations.

Mr. Speaker! Sweden is today very dependent on global supply chains. This makes us vulnerable. We need a more effective and active national coordinator for supply readiness that covers everything from food and fuels to medicines and spare parts. Much is currently being done in this area to increase our resilience, and that is good.

Swedish preparedness stocks shall, in normal cases, be stocked and financed by market actors within the various segments, for example, the actors within the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, it is not sustainable to place this responsibility solely on the market. The state must take a clearer grip, especially regarding strategic goods. It is also important that cooperation between authorities, municipalities, and the business sector works in practice, not just in theory.

We must ensure that competition neutrality is maintained. Therefore, legislation and regulations may need to be developed. In cases where small local businesses in rural areas are unable to meet the established requirements, or if any market actor considers that competition neutrality has been compromised, they should be able to apply for state support to manage to meet the established requirements. A modern supply readiness must be built on redundancy, stockpiling, national production, and clear leadership. It is a matter of resilience, security, and self-determination.

Mr. Speaker! We also want to highlight the importance of strengthening protection not only at our nuclear power plants but also regarding our nuclear activities and our large-scale hydropower. This is an important issue, but it must be seen as part of a broader work to protect all critical infrastructure. We believe that the relevant protection rules should be reviewed and meet the greater protection needs that today's instability in our immediate vicinity entails. It is therefore good that the committee, in its report, does not exclude that, given the uncertain global situation, there may be a need in the future to conduct a review of the Protection Act.

In summary, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that society's crisis preparedness cannot be taken for granted. It must be nurtured, built up, and constantly developed. We need to strengthen the rescue services so that they become equal and robust across the entire country. We need a national supply preparedness that does not falter when borders close or markets fail. And we need a protection of critical infrastructure that corresponds to the threat situation we actually live with. These are central parts of civil defense and of the security that citizens have a right to expect.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, under point 4, I would like to move for approval in the first instance to reservation 6 and in the second instance to the committee's proposal.

(Applause)

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

Gulan Avci (L)

Mr. Speaker! I want to start with Ukraine. Right now, the Ukrainian people are fighting for their freedom and for the right to continue to live as a democratic nation and as a free people under the Ukrainian flag, which flies freely over Ukrainian territory. We, who have had the security of living in freedom and who do not wake up to air raid sirens, are forced to send our loved ones to the front or wake up every morning with the uncertainty of whether we will be alive when evening comes, have a duty to continue to support Ukraine unreservedly. Ukraine's struggle is not just about defending its own freedom. It is about the security of the Swedish people and the security of all of Europe.

Mr. Speaker! We must not betray the Ukrainian people, and we will not. On Monday, I was able, together with my colleagues in the Tidösamarbetet, to present the 19th support package – the single largest military support package to Ukraine at a time when support was needed most. We will do much more.

That I dwell so much on Ukraine is easy to understand. Their struggle is directly linked to what we have to discuss today, society's crisis preparedness. Ukraine's strength lies not only in military capability and international support. The real strength is the people's will to never give up. That power exists both at the front and among all those who teach children, care for the sick, and keep the important functions of a functioning society running under almost impossible conditions.

Mr. Speaker! What determines if a society can withstand a crisis? What makes us strong when the unexpected happens? Here at home, we have many times taken peace and stability for granted. Of course, we should be glad that we have escaped war and the horrors of war. But the world changed on February 24, 2022, and our accustomed security was shaken significantly. We were forced to re-examine old perceptions. Sweden has now joined Nato. Europe is rallying, and our defense is being built up at a high pace.

Our civil defense and our ability to manage crises is absolutely crucial. The threats can be military, climate-related, digital, or pandemic. But regardless of the threat, we must be ready to handle the crises. The strength, resilience, and will to defend that we see in Ukraine, we should not only be inspired by, but we must take lessons and build up our own resilience here at home.

Mr. Speaker! If our society is to hold together, we must seriously tackle the exclusion that has been allowed to grow for decades, and the parallel societies that have become increasingly numerous. If we are to create an inclusive society where your background does not determine your future, we must seriously ensure that the generation growing up receives the right conditions to have access to, among other things, a good education so that they feel they are a part of the community.

But it also requires that we take the fight against those who spread disinformation, whose purpose is to weaken trust in our societal institutions, and against the forces that threaten our resilience. Then we cannot leave the generation that is growing up now, with different circumstances, to the mercy of the wind.

Mr. Speaker! Research shows that the sense of community determines the willingness to defend the country in a crisis. Therefore, a strong civil society is crucial for the work we have to do. In Ukraine, we see how an organized population maintains important functions despite the war. Education, popular movements, and local engagement strengthen resilience, and democracy is the ultimate protection against disinformation.

We live in serious times – we all agree on that here. Crisis preparedness has been neglected for a long time when Sweden believed in eternal peace. But a war in our near area and an uncertain future demand action. Our civil defense is being built up at a rapid pace, and we have an action-oriented minister responsible for civil defense. Civil duty is being activated and expanded now also within healthcare. Cybersecurity is being strengthened. Preparedness authorities receive new assignments, and our legislation is being adapted to reduce vulnerability. Total defense is being built up.

Total defense ultimately rests on the population, as everyone has a role to play. The Riksdag, the government, authorities, municipalities and regions must all, in different ways, create the conditions to manage crises. But if not everyone feels involved and if we do not manage to counter fragmentation, we also cannot build the defense a society needs in crisis and war.

Mr. Speaker! I also want, as a strong pro-European, to highlight the EU's role. Europe has realized that we must take responsibility for our own security and cannot hitch a ride on others. No one other than ourselves can ultimately guarantee our freedom. EU cooperation must be strengthened even within crisis preparedness. Forest fires, droughts, and pandemics have shown how dependent we are on each other and that alone is not strong. When crises strike, broad measures are required that no country can handle alone. Therefore, a coordinated European crisis management effort is needed, where the EU can act quickly to protect all the union's citizens.

Mr. Speaker! Many of the proposals we are debating today are important. Much is about to be implemented. We face a time where crises are no longer exceptions but a part of our reality. This requires that we act now – together, strong and prepared.

With this, I move for approval of the committee's proposal in the report.

(Applause)

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

Hanna Gunnarsson (V)

Mr. Speaker! Hello to everyone listening and watching at home, live or in retrospect! Today, the Committee on Defence is debating motions in the area of society's crisis preparedness. It is an annually recurring debate, and in recent years, it has felt every time that this debate is only becoming more and more relevant. We have had two years of pandemic and so far three years of war in Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We live in an ongoing climate crisis, and we know that our society is subjected to cyberattacks every day. This puts our own defense and our own crisis preparedness to the test and requires that we make investments to make our society even more robust.

Mr. Speaker! At the same time as we stand here and debate, the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza are continuing in full. These are two wars that, here and now, are causing people to be killed and societies to be shattered. We all need to work for a more peaceful and safer world, both here at home and in Ukraine and Gaza. Invasions and occupations must cease. People must be given the power to decide over their own lives and the land they live in through democratic elections and by building societies that are both safe and secure and equal, with good welfare for all.

Mr. Speaker! A few years ago, many of us probably had some difficulty imagining what a major crisis affecting the entire society, or for that matter a war in the middle of Europe, actually entails. The request to have a crisis kit at home perhaps felt a bit abstract for many people. But now, after we collectively endured a pandemic a few years ago and when there is war in Europe, our perspective on how vulnerable our societies are and the importance of building the societies stronger has changed.

We live in a vulnerable society. Our digital systems, which we are completely dependent on, are being subjected to attacks. The infrastructure is crumbling almost before our eyes. This leads to constant disruptions in traffic. The healthcare queues are long.

Vulnerability is also increasing due to privatizations and cuts in large, important parts of our welfare. Privatization makes it more difficult to govern society-critical activities, especially during a major crisis where people need to help each other as much as possible. The pursuit of profit in welfare means that resources end up in private pockets instead of being used for what they are intended for.

We therefore need to retake socially important activities into public ownership. It is also about crisis preparedness.

To this are added natural disasters, as an effect of the climate crisis. It is fires, droughts and floods. We see it both here at home and all around the world. Natural disasters remind us of the enormous forces that exist in flowing water and raging fire and the enormous devastation and the threat to people's lives and health that they entail.

In the Baltic Sea, there is a constantly looming threat of oil spills, which the presence of the Russian shadow fleet demonstrates, where the ships are often in very poor condition. The major natural disasters risk human lives, environmental destruction, and extensive damage to property.

After every crisis, we must build society stronger so that we can meet the next crisis in a better way, because the crises will come again. We need to learn and not forget it or put it behind us too quickly.

Society's resilience must be strengthened at all times. But instead, we see how cuts in welfare continue – most recently enormous cuts in healthcare here in Skåne. This is a recipe for poorer crisis preparedness, not better.

The municipalities and regions have a major fundamental responsibility to plan how activities such as healthcare, elderly care, and preschools can continue to operate and be able to expand their activities in times of major crises or, in the worst case, war. This requires economic resources, preparations, cooperation, and knowledge enhancement. But when the staff are already on their knees and are understaffed or exhausted even when it is relatively calm in society, we will not be able to gear up. We will not be able to use our crisis preparedness in the right way if a crisis occurs.

We must therefore have a fully funded healthcare and elderly care in the future. We must have a society where the staff have higher wages, better working conditions and time for further education. More must want to educate themselves within healthcare professions and have the strength to stay in the job all the way to retirement and feel pride and joy when they go to and from work every day. It is crisis preparedness. Margins were needed in the operations to be able to handle major crises, for we know that they will come.

Mr. Speaker! The work to reintroduce civil service in Sweden is moving forward, and the government should be commended for that. The authorities are now also planning for basic training within civil service, where young people will receive a shorter education in a socially important area in order to then be deployed for military service and be part of the civil defense and crisis preparedness. We in the Vänsterpartiet think this is very good.

It is also important to continue the work of organizing people in voluntary defense organizations and other large organizations so that they can be trained and take on civil assignments. This ensures that they can then be easily activated during major crises. Every municipality should have a voluntary resource group.

We all have a common responsibility to ensure that society is strong and resilient. For Vänsterpartiet, it is clear that egalitarian societies where we plan, finance, and implement things together are also strong and resilient societies. During crises, we see how helpfulness and solidarity increase in society and between people. We all have a fundamental will and striving to help each other when difficult things happen.

Mr. Speaker! When one reads this report, one sees that crisis preparedness touches upon very many different issues. We have heard it in this debate as well. It is everything from climate adaptation to fire safety and fireworks. From the Left Party's side, we have now and in previous years submitted various proposals in this area. One of our motions concerns the primary responsibility of the rescue services, where we want to see an investigation into changing from municipal responsibility to regional or state responsibility. The rescue services are today often linked in different types of associations which mean that the rescue service in practice is no longer municipal but regional. We also want the government to investigate how a civil responder, a person who can quickly arrive on site at, for example, accidents and has the correct training for it, can be used more.

Another proposal we have concerns ensuring that information about crisis preparedness becomes more accessible in different ways for persons with disabilities. It is incredibly important that everyone can access the information they need.

Another motion concerns housing policy and deals with fire safety in multi-family buildings. Every year, 90 people die in residential fires in Sweden. The elderly, the sick, and persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Fires in homes can be prevented by, for example, ensuring that all apartments have functioning smoke detectors that are tested regularly. It is a simple measure that saves lives.

Mr. Speaker! I move for approval of reservation 23. It concerns fireworks. Fireworks can be a great joy for many people in the right context, but they also have a negative downside for people, animals, and the environment. They cause injuries and fires and litter both in cities and nature. Every year, a hundred people are seriously injured and need to seek medical care.

Vänsterpartiet does not want a total ban on fireworks, but we believe that fireworks should only be handled by trained pyrotechnicians and that sales to the general public should not be permitted. We believe that this would reduce discomfort and risks but still enable fireworks at New Year and other special occasions. I therefore move for approval of reservation 23.

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

Mikael Larsson (C)

Mr. Speaker! What is a crisis? A crisis can be many things and can arise when we do not suspect it. But the planning work that is now taking place is extremely important moving forward. If we prepare for a war, we also manage a crisis. Civil defense is essentially everything in society. It is important that we ensure that everything within civil defense is practiced and coordinated in a strong total defense.

Mr. Speaker! The Centre Party has for many years noted that Swedish emergency services need to be developed so that everyone living in Sweden, in cities and in the countryside, shall have the same right to safety and security. Today, this varies depending on where one lives in the country. For many years, it has been difficult to recruit part-time firefighters, especially to the countryside.

There are, however, good examples of municipalities that have succeeded in broadening their recruitment with simple means. These good examples need to be spread so that others can follow suit. Here, MSB, in cooperation with SKR, should be able to do more to highlight good examples of municipalities that have succeeded in their recruitment and also spread this further.

Another thing that occasionally hinders rapid interventions is that it is not always the nearest station that is called out if something happens. This may be due to a county border or because it is another rescue service association that is responsible for the area. It is more reasonable that the principle of proximity, not administrative boundaries, determines which rescue service is called out if something happens.

Centerpartiet supports the work that the government is performing regarding the reactivation of civil service, and we are very pleased that it is reactivated within the rescue services. However, it is necessary to ensure that the municipalities have legal tools and support. It is about achieving faster training for firefighters across the country. The training of rescue service personnel is currently primarily carried out through MSB's training at different levels. It is important for equality in the country that training within the rescue services is provided to the extent that corresponds to the municipalities' needs for trained personnel. Not least, the special competencies of firefighters and rescue leaders when it comes to combating large forest fires may need to be developed.

To succeed with the rescue services in the whole country, good cooperation with, for example, civil society organizations is required. I would like to highlight the rescue service in Ljungby in Kronoberg County, which has found a way to solve the recruitment and has also developed a large and fine cooperation with the local fire brigades, which are practically staffed by the local LRF branches, i.e., Lantbrukarnas riksförbund. When one takes responsibility together and the public sector does not put up a stop, one succeeds in achieving results and increasing resilience.

Mr. Speaker! Drones have become an increasingly important tool for the rescue services to use before and during operations, but they could be used to an even greater extent. With drones, the rescue services can more quickly and smoothly obtain an overview of a potential operation area, more easily locate a forest fire, and more quickly find out where an accident has occurred if it is a long way there. Drones can also be equipped with, for example, defibrillators and reach a person in cardiac arrest before a dispatched fire engine. In the current situation, however, the rescue services' possibility of using drones is surrounded by far too much bureaucracy and high costs.

Mr. Speaker! The entire society is affected by the changing climate. For a long time, it has become clear that our modern society is vulnerable to the consequences of a warmer climate: more forest fires, heavy rainfall, melting ice, and heatwaves.

It is no longer enough to only reduce emissions and slow down global warming. We must also take measures to adapt our societies to the changed climate. This applies to everything from urban planning and physical planning to water and sewage, energy supply, forestry, agriculture, industries, tourism, and so on. We need to climate-adapt both existing and future infrastructures. This is about, for example, where and how we build. Here, municipalities, regions, and the state – all together – need to do much more.

Downpours, high water flows, floods, heatwaves and periodic droughts will also lead to significantly worsened conditions to offer water and sewage services of the standard we may have been accustomed to for many years. It is also dangerous from a preparedness and vulnerability perspective if we cannot offer clean drinking water. This is an issue that is needed in the total defense planning. Centerpartiet wants more climate adaptation measures to be taken for a more resilient and robust society and that climate adaptation should be included in the entire total defense.

Mr. Speaker! I want to highlight Ukraine and that Sweden must also continue to learn from the terrible war that is taking place. We need to continue to support and help. The Centre Party thinks that the support packages that have been delivered are good, but we see that more must be done.

Mr. Speaker! In war and crises, the public support, the will to defend, and the resilience are perhaps the most important things we have to work with. Today we see, when major crises arise, how important civil society and local communities are when it comes to helping and supporting.

Mr. Speaker! As usual, in all debates, I want to highlight the role of popular education, the importance of community centers, the role of the Church of Sweden, and perhaps also other local associations across the entire country. It is together that we build the public support, the will to defend, and the resilience.

With this, Mr. Speaker, I wish to move for approval of the Center Party's reservation number 8.

(Applause)

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

Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! Today we are debating the society's crisis preparedness, that is to say our ability to handle crises of all kinds. It is about large-scale forest fires, floods, landslides and avalanches, large-scale power outages, cyberattacks, chemical accidents or, God forbid, meltdowns in nuclear power plants – everything we can imagine and everything we cannot imagine.

It is turbulent times that we live in. The security policy situation with Russia's ongoing illegal war of invasion against Ukraine is very serious. At the same time, we stand in a stage where the USA's relation to Europe is undergoing change, something which implies new challenges.

Mr. Speaker! Even though we have a military, security policy problem that occupies much of our focus, we need to have the ability to see the full range of threats to our societies. When one listens to the government's representatives, one can get the impression that the risk of war is the only thing we should focus on, but I want to remind that the climate crisis does not take a break just because a war is ongoing in our vicinity. The loss of biodiversity does not stop either.

Climate change and loss of biodiversity are not just environmental problems. They are two of our time's greatest security policy challenges.

When the climate changes, Sweden is affected in several different ways, including through longer periods of drought and more heavy rainfall that can lead to floods, collapses, and landslides. We also see that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and longer. This is something that affects people, especially the elderly and children and those who suffer from illnesses. But even our food supply is threatened by drought, and the drinking water supply risks being affected as the climate becomes warmer.

Furthermore, we will eventually be affected by the rising sea levels resulting from melting ice and warmed oceans. To protect people and important infrastructure, physical planning needs to be adapted to these effects. Society must be built resiliently.

Is it not enough that we arm ourselves and prepare for war? The government's representatives repeat time and again that if we dimension for war, we will also manage peacetime crises better. Yes, dimensioning is important, but we must not stare blindly at one threat when there are several.

Here, the government shows time and again that they neither want to prevent the climate crisis nor adapt society in the way that is required for us to be able to handle the changes that will occur. Even though we still have the opportunity and the ability to reduce and mitigate climate change, we see how the world continues to rush towards a climate catastrophe.

In order for Sweden to be able to carry out effective work with climate adaptation, the responsibility of different actors – and between them – must be clarified. The work must not be delayed due to an unclear distribution of responsibility. County Administrative Boards and municipalities are key actors in the climate adaptation work, and they must receive clearer frameworks and the resources required. Furthermore, the authorities' work in assisting with coordination and knowledge dissemination needs to be strengthened.

The broad perspective on security is not just about taking climate change and other natural disasters into account. It is equally about seeing and creating the capability to handle hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, and influence operations. It is something that has become increasingly frequent. It is something that is constantly ongoing and that we know we must be able to handle.

Miljöpartiet wants us to create a robust and sustainable society that can withstand both crises and wars – in the worst case, at the same time.

In this report, a number of important motions are addressed. It is not a strength that the government wants to reject them all, as Member Anstrell stated in his speech. Instead, one should listen to the good ideas and proposals that the opposition presents and safeguard broad agreements when it comes to important issues regarding both defense policy as well as crisis preparedness and security policy in general.

Mr. Speaker! In order to strengthen our crisis preparedness, the rescue services are crucial. They are the most important resource for rapid interventions in accidents, fires, and floods, but they are also central to the total defense.

Miljöpartiet believes that the rescue services need to be strengthened and that the conditions for also working for the rescue services on a part-time basis and in voluntary activities must be improved so that a good crisis preparedness will exist in the entire country in an equal manner. It should not matter where in the country one lives when it comes to when and how one receives help. The rescue services' access to equipment also needs to be improved so that it can operate during high alert.

As several other speakers have pointed out, volunteers provide very important contributions to our crisis preparedness and our civil defense. It is about associations and individuals who can contribute in different ways. Miljöpartiet therefore believes that there should be volunteer resource groups in all municipalities in order to be able to take advantage of the contributions that volunteers provide in the civil defense and crisis preparedness.

Mr. Speaker! The Coast Guard has a particularly important role for environmental monitoring and for protecting the coasts. Over the past year, we have seen incidents of sabotage of cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea. In the recent past, we have also had a serious oil spill due to the grounded ship Marco Polo. The Coast Guard's environmental rescue and maritime rescue services are more important than ever. Customs also has an important role in preserving safety, countering terrorism, and detecting dangers in a timely manner.

These two authorities, together with the police, are dependent on each other's competence and efforts. It is therefore important that the Coast Guard and the Swedish Customs Service receive reinforcements in order to be able to cooperate more closely in order to respond to the broadened threat situation against Sweden. Miljöpartiet emphasizes that the Coast Guard and the Swedish Customs Service need reinforcements.

Mr. Speaker! In the report we are now considering, Society's Crisis Preparedness, issues regarding civil duty are addressed. The Green Party's motion concerning civil defense, in the party motion on defense, was already addressed in the previous report Total Defense 2025–2030. It therefore appears in the report we have at hand that the Green Party lacks a position on this issue. I would therefore like to refer to the fact that I stood behind the party's previous motion on civil duty, which stated that we want an additional expansion of civil duty to be investigated in order to be able to meet natural disasters, consequences of climate change, and extensive crises within health and care.

The same applies to our motion regarding Nordic cooperation within the framework of civil defense and crisis preparedness. This has also been addressed in previous reports. It therefore appears in this report as if we are solely focusing on cooperation within the EU, since that motion is addressed in this report. I want to emphasize that Miljöpartiet wants to see cooperation both with our neighboring countries in the Nordic region and within the EU when it comes to crisis preparedness and civil defense. We have set out this in two separate statements.

In conclusion, I would like to move for the approval of reservation 17 on climate change and climate adaptation for crisis preparedness. I would also like to move for the approval of reservation 31 on water supply and sewage treatment.

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

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! Member Berginger speaks of the only thing the government is investing in being the risk of war. I would say that it is an enormously important investment we are making, because there actually is a risk of war in our global environment. As restless as it is in Europe now, it has not been since the Second World War.

I would say that the government is making enormous investments, even though we are investing in defense and civil defense. Just look at the justice area, where four new laws entered into force yesterday. The school and social services can now finally share information, one can install security cameras all around in municipalities, sentenced prison terms shall never be prescribed, and the police are allowed to use secret data collection. Those are a few examples.

I can also take the area of social services. It is an area I am passionate about, and I have worked a lot to ensure that our children get it better. All decisions made within the area – not least that the Sis homes are being closed and now it is to be done better – are about taking responsibility through a unified approach and not through fragmentation and disorder, hence our motion to dismiss all motions in this matter.

Mr. Speaker! Arctic issues are finally very much on the table, both from the government's side and from the Riksdag's Arctic delegation. I have been appointed as a special rapporteur in the area of Climate and waste management as chairman. Taking care of waste is something everyone can do something about. I would say that we are doing very much in very many areas.

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Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! There is an area that Member Anstrell and the SD-led Tidöregeringen completely miss, and that is precisely the climate area. Miljöpartiet emphasizes time and again that we demand a climate policy that actually reduces emissions and does not – as with the government's policy – increase emissions.

It is this that I want to highlight here. Miljöpartiet wants to see that we take into account being able to handle both crises and, in the worst case, war at the same time. We have had broad agreements when it comes to defense policy, with the proposals the Defense Investigation submitted. We have also now stated that we see a need to further strengthen the military defense in order to be able to protect Sweden in the event of an armed attack, but first and foremost to ensure that we are not exposed and that our defense has a war-deterring effect.

It is as I said in my speech: Climate change does not take a break just because we have a military threat to deal with. We must have the ability to do both things at the same time. That is precisely why it is so unfortunate that the government's policy increases emissions instead of reducing them.

Sweden has gone from being a leading force in international negotiations on climate policy to becoming something that one actually has to be ashamed of in these contexts. More and more organizations around the world point out that Sweden's climate policy is failing and that it is increasing climate change at a time when we rather need to do more to reduce emissions and to ensure that we have a robust and strong society. Because even climate change can be exploited by an antagonist. If we get a prolonged heatwave, drought, or floods, it is clear that an antagonist can exploit it to further amplify the effect of those crises.

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

Alexandra Anstrell (M)

Mr. Speaker! I do not believe that Member Berginger listened to my speech. I was touching upon Arctic issues, which is an example concerning climate change. I believe that taking care of one's own waste in a better way can lead to a better climate for us all.

I was in Canada last year. There, they still bury their waste in the far north of Labrador. This happened, then, in a Western country in 2024. It is completely crazy. I would say that work is being done on these issues in different areas and with considerable force. We also have a very brave minister in the area of climate and environment who will make important decisions moving forward.

The investment in the Coast Guard is particularly important for our environment, as they also work daily with environmental monitoring along our entire coast. I think that Member Berginger did not listen and does not see the bigger picture in this. A collective approach is needed to take responsibility for the whole. This applies to various issues.

We were also in agreement on the parts that were in the total defense bill. I do not think we could have included more, because it was important to get this total defense decision through quickly, well, and jointly.

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

Emma Berginger (MP)

Mr. Speaker! It is not the total defense bill we are debating here today, but a report concerning society's crisis preparedness.

I am listening very carefully to what Member Anstrell says, and I still think that climate policy is conspicuously absent both when it comes to the ability to reduce our emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change and when it comes to our ability to adapt to a changed climate.

I think the Arctic issues are absolutely very important, but how on earth are we to handle the Arctic issues in an effective way if we do not simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions? They affect the Arctic to an enormous extent. The Arctic is the part of the world where climate change is progressing the fastest and where both the environment and the people who live and reside there – those who call the Arctic their home – are affected in a very negative way.

When it comes to waste sorting, we have been far ahead for a long time in Sweden, and that is something I am very proud of. There are many governments and many politicians before me who have made important efforts so that we have good waste sorting, and there is still much we can do despite the fact that we do not bury the waste in the same way as many other countries do.

However, this does not help when the emissions of greenhouse gases only increase with the government's policy. The small measures being taken are not enough. That is what is shown in black and white time and again: emissions are increasing. But Member Anstrell hardly mentions the climate in her speech. She does not talk about how we need to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt society to a changed climate if we are to create a robust and sustainable society where people can live in safety and in peace for many generations to come.

(Applause)

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

Göran Hargestam (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Today we are debating the report FöU4 Society's crisis preparedness.

As we are now forced to conclude that we live in a time where we see geopolitical tensions, increasing threat pictures and a global uncertainty, it is of the utmost importance that we as a nation are equipped to handle crises and protect our population. Sweden needs a centre of excellence, a total defense center, where authorities, regions, municipalities, voluntary organizations, the business community and others can meet.

It is a forum that provides an opportunity for exchange of experience, continuing education, and exercises in theory and practice, and a center where different actors are given the opportunity to show and demonstrate the latest in total defense development. It is a place where research can present its latest findings as part of awakening interest for continued development. We believe that this is a mission that needs to be handled by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, which can effectively collaborate with both the business sector, interest organizations, and authorities.

Total defense is the fundamental structure in the work of securing our society against both military threats and other types of societal disruptions. It is about more than just our military readiness – total defense is an interaction between many actors, and every part of our society has a role to play. Being able to gather all leading actors within the diverse areas of total defense on one and the same arena provides a dynamic that creates a collaborative process where the result would be greater than the individual participants' contributions and where the participants in the meeting make each other better.

It is therefore necessary that we ensure that all these actors, from municipalities and regions to authorities, voluntary organizations and the defense industry, have a common understanding of their tasks and are well prepared. Preparation, training and coordination are the key to our total defense functioning effectively when we need it most.

Mr. Speaker! We need to focus on the educational measures required so that those responsible for civil defense within municipalities, regions, county administrative boards, rescue services, and others can achieve the level of knowledge and risk awareness that the security policy situation demands.

Total defense investments need to be higher on the agenda, while at the same time, allocation of investment capital is required to reach a total defense covering all parts of Sweden within a foreseeable future. Here, the responsible authority needs to have a compliant, supportive function while systematic follow-up is necessary.

Municipalities and regions have a central role in ensuring functioning societal functions during a crisis. They are often the first on the scene when a crisis occurs and are responsible for basic needs such as healthcare, care, infrastructure, and the safety of citizens. Total defense training for municipalities and regions makes it possible for these actors to quickly and effectively manage the crises that may arise. Without this preparedness, we risk that important societal functions cannot be maintained during a crisis, which leads to a serious threat to the lives and welfare of citizens in a crisis situation.

An effective and tailored education within the total defense requires that we map the needs of all involved actors and create coordination between civil, military, and voluntary organizations. We need to build scenario-based training with both theory and practice, conduct regular exercises, and ensure continuity and follow-up. By creating a forum where all involved parties are involved with different actors at all levels, one can create an education that is relevant and effective for handling different types of crises and threats.

Mr. Speaker! To achieve the best results of education within the total defense, a systematic, coordinated, and continuous effort is required. The goal must be clear: a total defense that encompasses all of Sweden and everyone who stays here. The educations shall be adapted for different target groups, with challenging and realistic exercises, which requires strong coordination between the different actors. To achieve flexible and dynamic education, experienced instructors are required who contribute with good theoretical knowledge, but also with their own experiences, in order to credibly be able to share best practice.

To ensure that the participants have developed their skills, follow-up and feedback shall be part of the training. Training and exercises shall be evaluated and adjusted at regular intervals to be relevant to the threat situation at the time. The participants shall regularly perform repetition exercises, including through simulation activities, in an adapted and easily accessible facility. This applies particularly in cases where a situation arises where a previous training, or part of it, has become obsolete due to new or changed threat pictures, technologies, or other changes. With purposeful and targeted training, we can create a total defense that stands strong in a crisis situation.

In Sweden, there is a large number of voluntary defense organizations that need clear guidance regarding in what way they can be part of the competence enhancement that is necessary. They stand ready to support a nationwide educational effort at short notice if they are given the necessary conditions. Even these organizations may initially need to take part in further training efforts. In order to optimize their efforts, their need to update exercise material and training material should be reviewed.

Mr. Speaker! Who shall then be offered some form of total defense training? In addition to the obvious groups that I have mentioned earlier in the speech, we today have a large grouping that is outside the regular labor market. Approximately 30 percent of the long-term unemployed lack a high school education, and without the right competence, it will be difficult for many in this group to become part of the workforce. These individuals could be relevant for training within different parts of our civil defense. If they become part of a context where they feel valuable and can contribute, we not only reduce an economic problem but also contribute to more people being able to feel socially involved and included.

There is a need to improve access to education and create conditions and opportunities for people to educate themselves regardless of previous experience. The labor market is changing rapidly. The rapid development in technology in recent years, broader cooperation between countries, and changed forms of work have led to increased demands on the workforce. Due to a lack of prior knowledge or education, or due to limited access to further education, many have not had the opportunity to adapt to the rapid development. At the same time as we already have an enormous need for labor, the need for personnel with tasks within the total defense will increase further in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker! In order to meet the need for personnel and suitable premises, we need to emphatically emphasize the importance of improving access to education by investing in educational premises that have the right geographical location and where there are opportunities for expansion. By offering education where people live and simultaneously choosing a geographical location that allows for good communications, we can make it easier for many people to become part of our future total defense through a seamless transition.

With an innovation and education hub located where the infrastructure is closest for the most people in both Sweden and the rest of the Nordics and the Baltics, we can obtain a natural arena for an international exchange of knowledge and experience.

To create an effective and purposeful total defense training, premises are required that are adapted for both theoretical and practical training. The premises should be flexible and equipped with the right technology, provide space for cooperation and communication, and be safe and ergonomic. By creating a suitable physical and technical environment, one supports the participants' learning and prepares them to handle real crisis situations in the best possible way.

It is also important that educational premises can be adapted based on the requirements of the total defense so that they can be purposeful over a long period and grow in line with society's needs. Today's rapid development requires great flexibility to meet future needs, and we shall therefore not create static educational systems. With a facility uniquely designed for the purpose, more specialized training can be conducted, for example, simulation activities for total defense purposes. For the training to be as purposeful as possible, it is required that there is an opportunity for practical field exercises in close geographical proximity to the training.

In summary, Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure as soon as possible that better conditions are created for purposeful education aimed at a broad target group. We need to be able to offer all total defense actors in society a meeting place where exchange of experience, education, and presentation of the latest findings can take place. We need to be able to offer a place where we tie together learning, technology, and new innovations – a place where industry and the Armed Forces are given the opportunity for further education and at the same time a forum where experiences can be exchanged. This shall be a place where science, technological development, and learning are given the opportunity to meet and where we can meet across national borders. My conviction is that a centre of excellence is a prerequisite for a safer Sweden with a crisis preparedness at the forefront.

I thank the Speaker, the members, and the audience for their time and attention.

(Applause)

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(Decisions were made under § 17.)

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