The news that 6,000 more people need to move to a new district in Kiruna fell like a bomb on Thursday.
It is positive that LKAB continues to make large investments in Norrbotten. It will lay the foundation for jobs for decades to come and contribute to securing Sweden's and Europe's independence from dangerous states, says Ebba Busch in a first reaction to LKAB's message.
At the same time, she understands the concern of the people of Kiruna about having to move parts of the city again.
It is incredibly important that we ensure that it becomes as good as possible for all residents who are affected.
At the same time, I think Kiruna is really proof that you can, in a very tough situation, implement changes, she says and mentions the move of the church that just took place.
The state will be involved
Busch says that she and her staff are in close contact with LKAB and the municipality's management. To move another 6,000 people, you need to take state land into use, and that is something Ebba Busch does not rule out.
We have been an important part in the urban transformation so far from the state's side and will continue to be.
We really understand the dilemma here, that it is difficult to prioritize between different national interests. And it is a challenge due to the fact that the municipality owns a small part of the municipality's area. But I think we will be able to find a good way forward here in dialogue together.
At the same time, she points out that LKAB has the great responsibility here. And the mining company promises to compensate all property owners who are affected and be part of the development of the new district.
It is a necessity, I want to emphasize that, says Ebba Busch.
"Will serve the people of Kiruna"
But LKAB's CEO Jan Moström does not rule out that the company will take even more land into use in 20-30 years.
Busch notes that Europe is heavily dependent on China when it comes to critical raw materials and that Sweden can strengthen its independence.
Mines in Sweden should serve the Swedish people. They should serve the people of Kiruna and its surroundings, she says.
