Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) says that the criticism of Anna Kinberg Batra is serious, but that he does not want to draw any conclusions until he has read the entire report.
Only then will he discuss the matter with the responsible minister, who is Minister for Civil Affairs Erik Slottner (KD), and return with an analysis, says Kristersson in connection with a press conference.
He is pressed by journalists on site whether he thinks what happened damages The Moderate Party and if Kinberg Batra is a burden for the government.
I'm not drawing any conclusions today, this just came out, I'm not a person who draws big conclusions before I've even read the document. But as I said, it's serious criticism, Anna Kinberg Batra has previously herself said that it's a confidence crisis that's unfolding.
"Weak response"
The Parliamentary Ombudsman (JO) is clear in its criticism and it's not unknown circumstances that have been examined. What more do you need to look at?
I have respect for your haste, it's part of your job. In my job, it's also about thinking things through and reading documents before I have firm opinions.
Ida Karkiainen (S), chair of the Riksdag's Constitution Committee, thinks that the Prime Minister and the government are giving a very weak response to what has happened.
Ulf Kristersson is referring to Erik Slottner, who in turn is placing the responsibility of rebuilding confidence in the County Administrative Board on Kinberg Batra herself – who is the one who has created this confidence crisis, says she.
This story – and it's not just about the sharp JO criticism, but also about representation costs at the County Administrative Board in Stockholm and alarms from employees about working conditions – makes it difficult for Anna Kinberg Batra to continue in this role, says Ida Karkiainen.
Until further notice
Civil Minister Erik Slottner says in a written comment:
"We have previously said that the Governor must take the criticism directed at her in a clear manner."
Marja Lemne, an S-associated political scientist at Södertörn University, says that she believes the government will act, even if it may first wait for the National Audit Office's investigation, which is still ongoing.
It would surprise me a lot if she continues in the position for the remainder of her term. But you can never say never.
