← Everyone who has spoken in the chamber
John Widegren (M)
What John Widegren has said in the chamber of the Swedish Riksdag, debate by debate. The lines under each debate sum up a speech; they are written and translated by AI in advance and may contain errors, so check against the speech.
Kammarkoll has the Riksdag's speeches from 26 September 2022 onwards; older debates are not included.
Active forestry regulations: M, SD, and V debate forest rules
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal. Argues that forest policy must return to the principle of freedom under responsibility in order to create high nature values. Criticizes state directives and restrictions on property rights. Read the speech
- Wants forest policy to return to the principle of freedom under responsibility. Argues that forest owners will take responsibility for delivering products and nature experiences if they are given more freedom. Read the speech
- Argues that he would have liked to see an increase in the area limit for logging notification. Emphasizes that the most important thing is to return to a greater trust in the forest owners in order to create natural values. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Argues that the Swedish Forest Agency's report has been refuted by experts and that many of the forests mentioned are already protected. Maintains that forest owners are wiser than the state and that more freedom leads to better management of natural values. Read the speech
- Argues that Sweden has already protected a large proportion of forest with high nature values. Criticizes that land continues to be taken out of production without taking responsibility for how the country will afford it. Read the speech
- Argues that forest socialism means wanting to seize private property. Sees shortened processing times as a pure issue of freedom and wants discussions about logging to take place between landowners and the Swedish Forest Agency. Read the speech
- Argues that the forest owner has good knowledge of their lands and should be given increased freedom. Wants to reduce regulation and finger-pointing from the public sector in order to promote forestry. Read the speech
Compensation for land use restrictions due to species protection
- Wish to support the committee's proposal. Argues that a strong property right is essential for democracy and is convinced that the right to compensation does not conflict with the EU's state aid rules. Read the speech
Hunting and wildlife management: predator policy and wolf limits
- Argues that the hunting corps is necessary for wildlife management, traffic searches, and supplementary feeding. Advocates for license hunting for a legally secure predator management and criticizes appeals that stop democratic decisions. Wants to investigate the right to hunt on state land but opposes extended hunting seasons. Read the speech
- Argues that the moose trend is now turning and that the moose is a valuable game animal that should be given more care. Wants to review the tools surrounding Äbin as it is a blunt and not sustainable tool. Read the speech
- Argues that hunters, users and owners should manage the wildlife themselves without public involvement. Agrees that the hunting corps did an excellent job against African swine fever and argues that hunters should receive compensation for expenses. Read the speech
Agriculture, forestry and wolves: SD, S and M proposals
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal in its entirety. Argues that the budget strengthens Swedish agriculture and forestry through increased production, research, emergency stocks, and predator management. Read the speech
- Argues that the government is delivering on its promises and has improved Sweden's position in the EU regarding forestry. Confirms that the species protection issue is concerning and that solutions to these legal processes are being delivered during the spring. Read the speech
- Argues that it is not reasonable for hunters to bear the entire cost themselves. Confirms that the hunting corps made a fantastic effort against African swine fever and argues that compensation should be provided. Read the speech
- Argues that freedom under responsibility for forest owners is the basis for Swedish success. Claims that biological values have improved since the system was introduced and criticizes regulated forestry. Read the speech
- Argues that the solution is not more money for the agency but efficiency within existing budgets. Criticizes activists who conduct their own supervision and argues that the Swedish Forest Agency performs its duties well. Read the speech
- Argues that red tape and difficulties in recruiting labor from Sweden is a major concern for agricultural entrepreneurs. Pursues exceptions for labor immigration to the green industries in order to be able to maintain production. Read the speech
- Argues that certain socially important sectors suffer from current rules for labor immigration. Wants to strengthen the supply of skills in agriculture in order to be able to increase production. Read the speech
Animal health data and agricultural policy debate
- Argues that the decreasing food production is concerning and requires increased profitability as well as reduced red tape. Wants to simplify the protection hunt, increase production and create flexibility in the EU's agricultural policy. Read the speech
- Proposes approval of the proposals in the report. Argues that the focus must be on increasing production and strengthening profitability through lower taxes, fewer agency contacts for increased legal certainty as well as the reintroduction of eco-subsidies to preserve biodiversity. Read the speech
- Argues that climate-smart investments require high production and profitability. Suggests that agriculture needs lower tax pressure, strong property rights, promoting authorities, and production-enhancing research to strengthen Swedish agriculture. Read the speech
- Argues that profitability is a prerequisite for being able to invest in the environment and climate. Points out that there is support for irrigation ponds and drainage, but emphasizes that reduced regulatory burden and administration is the basis for strengthening agriculture. Read the speech
- Argues that the administrative burden makes it difficult for sole traders to run farms. Wants to improve the competitive conditions by reducing the regulatory burden and increasing profitability to secure production. Read the speech
- Argues that dairy cows primarily graze on field pastures and that natural grazing lands are too poor to produce high-quality dairy cows. Asks how the Social Democrats want to increase the number of grazing animals when the number of cows has decreased significantly. Read the speech
- Asks whether the Social Democrats are open to a reintroduction of fodder support and what their position is on opening up § 28 to be able to act more easily in the event of predator attacks. Also asks how they want to simplify generational changes in agriculture. Read the speech
Shore protection relaxations for small watercourses and lakes
- Argues that today's shore protection is a major restriction on property rights and hinders development in rural areas. Wants to remove the shore protection all the way down to the water to give individuals and green industries greater freedom. Read the speech
- Argues that the government has now formulated a proposal that has a majority. Criticizes that previous proposals were not good enough and emphasizes that ownership rights should be prioritized over the right of public access. Argues that improved conditions for landowners are necessary for the social development in rural areas. Read the speech
- Argues that the right of public access is important but that it is reasonable if it is restricted on a private plot where someone wants to build. Claims that the coastal protection should fundamentally be based on the assumption that land use is permitted. Criticizes that landowners do not receive compensation for the coastal protection. Read the speech
- Argues that today's proposal is better than previous proposals from other parties. Explains that the delay is due to waiting for an investigation on arable nutrients. Urges the Centre Party to negotiate with the Moderates for better results. Read the speech
- Argues that the parts where they have already gone further should continue to apply. Wants the municipalities to have more power over the shore protection rules and that the county administrative boards should have as little power as possible. Read the speech
- Argues that landowners have historically created and are responsible for natural values through their work. The basic rule should be that the individual is allowed to use their land rather than prohibitions, and that the freedom reform does not mean doomsday for nature. Read the speech
- Argues that prohibitions, obligations, and controls stifle the joy of conducting activities in the countryside. Argues that removing the prohibition will benefit the entire countryside and will not constitute a catastrophe for nature. Read the speech
Forest policy: production, biodiversity and 2015 extraction
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal. Argues that the forest is an important part of Sweden's preparedness and that the government should stand up against poor EU proposals. Wants to strengthen ownership rights and argues that the forest owner should be able to practice sustainable forestry without increasing the proportion of forest taken out of production. Read the speech
- Argues that the species protection is an important issue that was handled during the Social Democrats' period in government. Promises to ensure that the investigation lands in a favorable way for individual forest owners. Read the speech
- Answers the question about the birds by admitting that they are not so clearly included in the investigation, but argues that they will be included in the final result. Promises to return to the species protection when results are available. Read the speech
- Argues that Sweden has already done what is required to reach the goals for protected nature. Claims that Sweden is a pioneering country that combines high production with biodiversity. Read the speech
- Argues that forest owners are already capable of following rules and do not need to be made it harder. Wants production to be kept running and that LULUCF commitments are revised so that they are achievable. Read the speech
Hunting and wildlife management: wolf population and predators
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal. Wants hunting and fishing on state land to be a right for all Swedes and that future investigations shall defend this right. Argues that hunters are important for society by combating swine fever, performing traffic searches, and restoring the balance in ecosystems [7-9]. Praises the government for reporting a reference value of 170 wolves and emphasizes the importance of maintaining tools for license hunting, protection hunting, and paragraph 28. Argues that a too high predator presence must not affect food production. Requests better management of the moose population as the current system does not function satisfactorily [16-17]. Read the speech
- Argues that the acceptance for hunting in Sweden is very high. Explains that the reference value of 170 wolves provides a good margin to maintain a viable population. Emphasizes that the policy must focus on reducing the wolf population to protect food production and the countryside. Read the speech
- Argues that the wolf population is viable in Europe and criticizes the argument regarding artificial respiration. Emphasizes that the government's policy is to reduce the wolf population and expresses concern for small sheep producers in areas with high predator pressure. Read the speech
- Argues that the government is moving in the right direction despite not being satisfied with the current situation. Wants to see a lower wolf population and emphasizes the importance of Sweden showing clear interest at the EU level. Read the speech
- Urges to keep the government. Argues that a new reference case provides additional tools for deciding on license hunting of wolves and expects improved conditions ahead of the license hunting in 2026. Read the speech
Agriculture: SD tax cuts, S Norrland support and food prices
- Argues that the budget's investments in research, veterinary activities, and preparedness are important for strengthening Swedish agriculture. Wants the research to focus on production-enhancing methods and advocates for increased freedom for forest owners. Read the speech
- Confirms that it is a huge problem that veterinary care is very expensive and that the market is not functioning. Argues that the solution is to increase the number of veterinarians as well as making it easier to run businesses as a veterinarian. Read the speech
- Argues that the price increases have not reflected inflation but are due to other factors. Suggests that the market can function by strengthening the conditions for more veterinarians and improving the business conditions for them. Read the speech
- Proposes investing in entrepreneurship and more modern legislation for dairy farms instead of targeted subsidies. Argues that the authorities' power and bureaucracy should be reduced to facilitate for entrepreneurs in rural areas. Read the speech
- Argues that rural municipalities should be strengthened through simpler legislation and reduced administration rather than subsidies. Claims that higher food prices are positive as they provide farmers with better delivery prices and encourage consumption of Swedish food products. Read the speech
Agricultural policy: EU rules, plant breeding, 80% self-sufficiency
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal. Criticizes the EU's micro-management and instead wants to increase the freedom of action for farmers. Proposes that red tape be reduced, new plant breeding methods be used, and animal welfare be increased in the union. Read the speech
- Confirms that it is unfortunate when farmers get caught in the middle during system transitions. Argues that strengthened profitability and increased production is the most important factor for promoting environmental and climate work at the farm level. Read the speech
- Argues that Swedish agriculture does not live or die on subsidies, but requires long-term rules of the game and profitability at the farm level. Proposes strengthened competitive conditions through lower tax pressure, reduced predator pressure, and simplifications in the EU's agricultural system. Read the speech
- Argues that mineral fertilizers have made the soils fertile and increased food production. Argues that the focus should be on more flexible grazing legislation at the farm level rather than removing the grazing right. Read the speech
- Proposes a flexible grazing legislation where the farmer themselves can decide which animals are suitable for grazing. Argues that this strengthens competitiveness and is necessary to increase food production in Sweden and Europe. Read the speech
Hunting and wildlife management: wolf culling and seal trade
- Wish to approve the committee's proposal. Argues that protection hunting against wolf should be made simpler and faster and that license hunting should be increased to reduce the wolf population. Criticizes a publicly managed ungulate wildlife management and instead wants the management to take place in harmony between landowners, hunters and users. Read the speech
- Argues that the hunt is fundamentally a land ownership issue where landowners should determine the tolerance level for damages. Follows the Minister for Rural Affairs' work to find a new model for moose management as the current system has not functioned optimally. Read the speech
- Criticizes being punished for violations of a handshake and argues that public legislation or administration through county administrative boards or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is not the right way. Suggests instead to find incentives for landowners, hunters, and users. Read the speech
Forest policy: property rights, production and environment
- Argues that freedom under responsibility and strong property rights are crucial for forestry and biodiversity. Wants to stop the lawless situation of forest owners in courts and proposes that Sveaskog be sold. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Agrees that the species protection issue is one of the most important issues right now. Argues that a species protection investigation will be carried out promptly and emphasizes that forest owners shall receive compensation when their ownership and use is restricted. Read the speech
- Argues that the environmental goal Living Forests is poorly formulated and not achievable. Claims that biodiversity in Sweden is heading in the right direction compared to the world average and that problems with natural grazing lands are a bigger problem than the situation in the forest. Read the speech
- Argues that Sweden cannot afford to take more land out of production. Wants to let individual forest owners decide over their own forest and criticizes the environmental goal Living Forests for portraying Sweden worse than it actually is. Read the speech
Agriculture: SD diesel tax cut vs MP 100bn green investment
- Calls for approval of the committee's proposal. Argues that freedom under responsibility for forest and agricultural producers is necessary to maintain high production and climate benefits. Criticizes the authorities' restrictions and advocates for reduced diesel tax as well as improved slaughter fees to strengthen liquidity and competitiveness. Read the speech
- Argues that the goals can be reached through continued use at the current level. Suggests that increased forest fertilization, better water supply and new planting material can increase growth in the short term. Read the speech
- Argues that Sweden can reach its 2030 goals for carbon sinks and that farmers should benefit rather than be hindered in their climate work. Explains that 200 million kronor are allocated for fertilizer gas support and that negotiations on tax exemption are ongoing. Read the speech
- Argues that the mink industry would soon have collapsed on its own even without state support. Suggests that the transition payment is a moderate solution because the industry would not have had any more good years in the long run. Read the speech
- Argues that Centerpartiet criticizes Moderaterna despite the fact that they themselves cooperate with a less business-friendly party. Points out that Centerpartiet is no longer perceived as a major green agricultural party but rather as a party that favors the mink industry. Read the speech
African swine fever: food security, economy and compensation
- Argues that Sweden has prepared well through exercises and political pressure. Emphasizes that restrictions on property rights are necessary now and that those affected must receive the compensation they deserve. Read the speech
- Argues that it is important to maintain focus on the outbreak and that those affected receive clear information. Emphasizes the importance of continued information efforts to protect Swedish pig production and ensure disposal for wild boar. Read the speech
- Argues that the hunting corps functions well and that it was good to have a quick decision regarding compensations. Emphasizes that there will be interested persons as long as they receive compensation. Read the speech
- Read the speech
Gang violence, agriculture, healthcare and cybersecurity
- Argues that the current food strategy is not reaching its goals and emphasizes the importance of increased Swedish production due to global supply problems. Asks how to counteract farmers giving up and offers hope for increased production. Read the speech
- Argues that this year's harvests have been extremely poor due to the weather. Asks how Sweden can achieve increased resilience and robustness through larger stocks in the future. Read the speech
Swedish food policy: 80% organic goal and self-sufficiency
- Argues that Swedish agriculture is in an acute crisis due to drought and high costs. Wants to remove restrictions for harvesting, simplify water use and increase the proportion of Swedish food in public procurement. Read the speech
- Argues that the industry has a better preparedness than in 2018. Wants administrative hurdles for water use in food production to be simplified so that it goes quickly. Read the speech
- Argues that the procurement of local and locally produced food is an important issue. Expresses concern over increased food consumption in schools and emphasizes that inflation must be pushed down to create space in the budget for investments. Read the speech
- Argues that Swedish agriculture has world-leading production results but lacks profitability due to a long-standing systemic error. Criticizes that solar cell production on arable land is more profitable than food production and emphasizes the need for a new food strategy. Read the speech
- Argues that the industry itself knows what works for the transition and that profitability is a prerequisite for investments. Suggests that animal production should be increased instead of reduced to solve future problems and improve the climate. Read the speech
- Argues that it is a failure to constantly have to introduce crisis support for agriculture. Emphasizes that lamb production on natural grazing lands could increase self-sufficiency and questions how Centerpartiet intends to anchor its wolf policy. Read the speech
- Argues that crisis support may be needed to strengthen liquidity, but notes that the industry prioritizes other measures. Emphasizes nuclear power as an important base power for the climate transition and the electricity supply and asks what Centerpartiet proposes instead. Read the speech
Forest policy: production, conservation and owner rights
- Requests approval of the committee's proposal. Criticizes that the forest owners' freedom under responsibility is restricted through the species protection ordinance and lack of voluntariness. Argues that the government must work towards the EU to preserve the Swedish self-determination over the forest. Read the speech
- Argues that the bark beetle is a major problem and that the most important thing is for forest owners to act quickly during an infestation, which is a measure that pays for itself. Confirms that there are plans for preparedness during drought. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Asks how Vänsterpartiet plans to solve the economic consequences of taking more land out of production in forests near the mountains. Argues that further restrictions would harm the countryside and remove the forest's role as an economic guarantee for forest owners. Read the speech
- Criticizes Vänsterpartiet's proposal to borrow 100 billion for nature conservation as irresponsible economics. Argues that forest owners themselves should decide the form of use and that continuous-cover forestry would cost hundreds of billions. Read the speech
Wildlife management and wolf population reduction in Sweden
- Proposes approval of the committee's proposal in its entirety. Criticizes multi-species management as it may mean further restrictions on property rights and argues that a unified approach to all predator populations was needed to balance food production and nature conservation. Read the speech
- Argues that a wildlife authority is needed because trust in Naturvårdsverket is damaged. Suggests that such an authority could handle tasks linked to hunting, for example license management. Read the speech
- Wants to create a new agency that gathers all data linked to hunting and wildlife management under one umbrella. Argues that this should not lead to new costs for the hunters as funds can be redistributed from existing budgets. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Argues that farmers should not be given increased costs to protect themselves against predators. Advocates for compensation in cases of predator attacks and argues that acceptance increases through easier protection hunting at the first attack. Wants to significantly reduce the wolf population. Read the speech
Sweden agricultural policy food strategy and 80% self-sufficiency
- Argues that agricultural policy is an important security issue since Sweden has too low a self-sufficiency rate. Criticizes high tax pressure and regulations that press down profitability and advocates for an increased degree of freedom to improve the conditions for farmers. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Confirms that food safety is an important issue and argues that Sweden has reduced its production. Wants the food strategy 2.0 to continue as well as that the Environmental Code is reviewed to be adapted to modern food production. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Criticizes the budget proposals from Miljöpartiet and Vänsterpartiet for driving up inflation. Argues that the basic economic conditions should be improved and the administrative burden for farmers reduced. Read the speech
- Argues that the skyrocketing inflation is the greatest economic problem. Emphasizes the need to increase production and criticizes the tax situation, red tape, and administration that cause size rationalization. Read the speech
Agriculture budget: SD diesel tax cuts and MP organic focus
- Questions whether Miljöpartiet applies the concepts of unsustainability and lack of soil health to Swedish agriculture and forestry. Argues that own forestry is sustainable but that a transition to organic farming and continuous-cover forestry leads to a reduced quantity of raw materials. Read the speech
- Asks whether Miljöpartiet considers today's agriculture and forestry to be unsustainable. Argues that landowners should be given the freedom to choose forestry methods themselves and questions the consequences of reduced raw material quantities and large economic losses. Read the speech
- Wish to approve the committee's report. Argues that Sweden needs a food strategy 2.0 with lower costs, reduced red tape and strengthened competitiveness to increase production. Criticizes the previous government's failure to strengthen production and warns against EU strategies that could reduce production. Read the speech
- Read the speech
- Argues that the budget contains historically high levels for environmental and climate investments. Wants forest owners to have decision-making power over their forest and criticizes proposals that take more land out of production. Read the speech
- Asks why it would lead to increased bark beetle attacks and argues that state funds were not needed to manage it. Wants to see a review of the Forestry Act regarding forests near the mountains to strengthen ownership rights. Read the speech
- Argues that clear guidelines are required to handle the bark beetle issue rather than more means. Emphasizes the importance of investigating the responsibility for investigation for forest owners and defends the right of ownership. Argues that the budget already contains historically large amounts of money. Read the speech
- Criticizes that the Social Democrats were silent on environmental and agricultural issues during the cooperation with the Green Party. Argues that Sweden has poor profitability in agriculture despite high production results and asks if the Social Democrats see any other structural problems that hinder the goals in the food strategy. Read the speech
- Read the speech
Source: The Swedish Parliament. Kammarkoll is an independent service.