A acquittal in this case is of course good news for the government. It is an important partial victory, says Tommy Möller, professor of political science at Stockholm University.
A conviction would have been much more serious. In that way, I think the Prime Minister is both personally and politically relieved today.
Friend to Kristersson
Henrik Landerholm, friend to Kristersson and former national security adviser, was prosecuted for negligence with secret information but was acquitted on Friday. He has indeed been careless when he stored and forgot secret papers at a conference facility, but he has not acted knowingly negligently, according to the district court. Therefore, he is acquitted.
But Tommy Möller points out that the issue is far from settled. The case can be appealed legally, and politically, the Riksdag's Constitutional Committee (KU) will continue its review of the matter, either in the autumn or in the spring.
In the worst case, the case can thus survive into the election year 2026, which could affect voters when they go to the polling stations, says Möller.
The obvious answer is that purely politically, this damages the trust in the government. It's about the perception of government ability, or how good you are at governing. But it's hard to determine how much damage it is.
KU's review
KU's review concerns the Prime Minister's responsibility, what security routines exist at the Government Offices, what measures were taken when the incident was discovered, and whether the Government Offices have been slow to register documents.
On September 11, the committee will hold its first meeting for the parliamentary year and then decide how to proceed, writes Altinget. According to the committee's chairman Ida Karkiainen (S) it seems that there is a majority for carrying out the review as soon as possible.
The best for the government would be if the political review takes place as soon as possible so that you can get rid of the issue, says Möller.
It may then become relevant to call the Prime Minister.
It is very likely that Ulf Kristersson will need to be called since the national security adviser is a function that is under the Prime Minister's Office, where Ulf Kristersson as Prime Minister is ultimately responsible, says Karkiainen to SVT News.
