We make completely realistic promises, then everyone knows that they will be negotiated, says Moderate leader Ulf Kristersson.
Many, but not all, of the 226 points are concrete promises, such as lowering taxes for low- and middle-income earners, abolishing preschool fees, and making employer-paid monthly transport cards tax-free.
The manifesto also contains broader goals, such as Sweden having the highest standard of living in the EU in ten years. By then, real wages should have increased by 50 percent. The number of people receiving social assistance should be halved.
Another goal is to “erase” the power of criminal gangs.
"We need four more years to completely eliminate deadly gang violence," the election manifesto states.
"We are not satisfied with an 80 percent reduction (in gang violence)," says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M).
To be financed
The Moderates have previously stated that their combined election promises cost approximately 78 billion kronor, of which approximately 50 billion is in reduced taxes for households.
The manifesto emphasizes that the election promises will be implemented as fiscal space allows. They will be paid for primarily through reprioritisation within the bureaucracy, grants and aid.
M's plan is to present a budget bill this fall with savings for almost all agencies. Only defence, the judiciary and infrastructure funding are exempted.
The party also expects to be able to free up money for reforms by reducing structural unemployment, especially due to tight migration, the benefit reform that will be fully implemented next year, and changes implemented in the unemployment insurance fund.
The Moderates also want to further strengthen the labour line, including increasing the phasing out of unemployment benefits and increasing the requirements for the unemployed to move to get a job.
Another saving is to abolish the right to deduct unemployment insurance contributions.
Growing economy
The plan is estimated to yield savings of 70 billion. In addition, there will be savings on foreign aid.
The manifesto states that in the upcoming budget, M wants to present a plan to gradually shift resources from aid to "above all Swedish welfare, but also the upgrading of the defence and other prioritised reforms."
At the same time, M promises that no savings will lead to increased costs for “hard-working Swedes.” One of the party’s most important election promises is that an ordinary family with two children will receive 5,000 kronor more in their wallets every month before the next term ends.
The Moderates expect that their policies will increase growth in the Swedish economy, which will also provide more resources for welfare in the form of increased tax revenue.
Reduced tax for low- and middle-income earners
Special tax reduction for working parents
Tax-free when employers pay monthly cards
Lower tax on work-related pension income
Preschool fee abolished
Reduced tax for those working after retirement age
Make the first 500,000 kronor in ISK accounts tax-free
Lower corporate tax
Abolish free amounts in the student finance system in the summer
Abolish the quantity discount for multiple crimes
Protection law for women exposed to violence, increased control and higher penalties for violent men
Introduce the crime of particularly aggravated rape with a life sentence
Tougher penalties for recruiting children to commit crimes
Sanctions against gang criminals, such as restricting freedom of movement and access to financial benefits
Electronic ankle monitoring or electronic ankle tagging on children on their way into gang crime
Raise the age limit in child psychiatry from the current 18 years
Security guards with greater powers will complement the police on streets and squares
At least 10,000 police cameras by 2029
Mandatory background checks in all professions that work with children to stop pedophiles
Tighten the care guarantee from 90 to 30 days
Introduce grading in schools
Introduce an age limit of 15 for social media
New arrivals must sign a Sweden contract
Introduce integration zones in disadvantaged areas to attract more companies
Lower the age limit for beer and wine at Systembolaget to 18 years
Source: Moderates' election manifesto
