The uncertainty is great about what Trump is thinking of doing when he moves into the White House on January 20. Kristersson does not want to draw any conclusions about what will happen "for obvious reasons."
It is important for Sweden to be able to cooperate with the president who takes office. It has been a Swedish hallmark for a long time, he says at a press conference.
He has a hard time giving examples of what could be positive for Sweden with Trump as president. On the other hand, he points out risks.
We have been planning for different scenarios and developments for a long time and we are well prepared, says Kristersson.
Several risks
One risk is a trade war between the USA and China and higher tariffs in general, which could hit Swedish export companies hard. Another risk is reduced American climate engagement. A third risk is reduced engagement for European security.
The USA will likely devote much more attention to China and the Pacific region and less to the Atlantic and Europe. I believe that is very likely, says Kristersson.
He reminds, however, that several presidents over a long period of time have demanded that European NATO countries take greater responsibility for European defense.
It is not an unreasonable and incomprehensible demand. We in Sweden take it seriously, says Kristersson.
We take our own defense seriously.
In Ukraine, there is great concern that American military support will decrease with Trump. Kristersson sees such a risk, but does not want to "anticipate" it in advance.
Ready to increase
It is, according to the Prime Minister, in Sweden's own interest to maintain Sweden's and Europe's military support.
When we do that and are ready to increase that support, it also benefits our relationship with the USA.
On the question of whether Sweden can increase its military support and the USA decrease its, Kristersson answers:
Sweden is ready to increase, naturally, and I believe many other European countries are ready to do so as well.
At his press conference, Kristersson also expressed concern that the "rock-hard and polarized" tone in the American political debate will come to Sweden.
This is a dangerous development, says the Prime Minister.
Let us not go that way, let us maintain a sensible tone. Let the issues stand at the center of the political debate. That is my plea.
