In a text message to TT, Minister for Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa (M) says the decision was made by consensus and that what is happening now is "the largest restructuring of Swedish development assistance in modern times."
"He has made significant contributions, but to take the next step in reform, the overall assessment is that it needs to be led by someone else," Dousa says via his press secretary.
Jakob Granit will instead become Director General of the Government Offices, a position sometimes called the "elephant graveyard."
"To benefit from his expertise, he will contribute to the development of the future Swedish aid architecture in light of reduced global aid flows," Dousa says.
Don't have to agree
Granit tells Dagens Nyheter that discussions about his resignation have "been going on for a while" and that the decision was made in consultation with the government and Minister for Development Cooperation Dousa.
When asked if he and Dousa had previously agreed on aid policy, he replied to DN:
What an interesting question. He is the client and I am the one who will carry out the assignment. It is not about always having to agree, but about the assignment being carried out.
Reduced aid
Jakob Granit began as Director General of Sida in September 2023. The government writes that he has made significant contributions by leading the agency's transformation work. Development assistance has both been significantly reduced and given a new focus during the mandate.
The acting Director General will be Sida's Director General Hanna Hellquist.
The changes will take effect on Friday, February 27th.
TT has contacted Jakob Granit, but he declines further comment.
