Unemployment is forecast to fall from 8.8 percent last year to 8.5 percent this year, the same forecast as before.
The outlook looks brighter now than it did a few months ago. Inflation should not be a problem, according to Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M).
Right now, we don't see that it will be a problem in the Swedish economy.
"Unemployment is too high, but it is now starting to move in the right direction," says Svantesson.
At the same time, she points out that the number of employed people is increasing and, according to the Minister of Finance, is 100,000 higher than in 2022.
The Swedish Central Bank flagged this morning that the probability of an interest rate hike this year has increased.
"It's a reasonable assessment because there is still great uncertainty. But even if everything were to be fine tomorrow (with the Iran conflict), it's still weeks or months before this stabilizes, and I've said all along that what's happening now will affect the Swedish economy throughout this year," Svantesson comments.
According to the Ministry of Finance's forecast, the deficit in central government finances will end up at 2.5 percent of GDP this year. After that, the deficit will decrease and then reach balance in a few years.
"This forecast and the development of public finances give us very good protective walls for the future. We can handle tough, tough situations," says the Minister of Finance.
