Michael Claesson new Supreme Commander: "Proud and Decisive"

General Lieutenant Michael Claesson becomes new supreme commander, announces the government. He succeeds Micael Bydén. The all-encompassing feeling is pride, decisiveness, engagement, and energy, he says.

» Updated:

» Published:

Michael Claesson new Supreme Commander: "Proud and Decisive"
Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

Share this article

General Lieutenant Michael Claesson will become the new Commander-in-Chief, announced the government. He will succeed Micael Bydén.

Claesson, who is 59 years old, is the head of the Defense Staff and the commander of the headquarters since January 1, 2023. He will take office as Commander-in-Chief on October 1.

Claesson has worked within the Swedish Armed Forces for 40 years. He started as a conscript in the Norrbotten Armored Battalion in Boden.

Last week, he received a call from the government asking if he wanted to become the new Commander-in-Chief. After a brief consideration, he accepted.

The government describes the security situation in Sweden as the most serious since World War II. When asked what the greatest military threat is, Claesson responds:

Regarding the future of the Defense Forces, Claesson emphasizes that it is important to "keep course", grow the number of soldiers, and increase the pace of delivering military operational capability.

At the same time, he highlights that Sweden's security has dramatically increased since NATO's entry on March 7 this year.

He does not want to comment on the former Commander-in-Chief Sverker Göranson's statement that Sweden can only defend itself for a week, but says that the defense capability today is "significantly better".

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) said at the press conference that there is broad political support for Michael Claesson as the new Commander-in-Chief. This is also confirmed by Peter Hultqvist (S), chairman of the Defense Committee.

Claesson was born in Bankeryd. He was promoted to brigadier general in 2013 and to lieutenant general in 2020. He has also served in Sweden's delegation to NATO in Brussels and as commander of the ISAF contingent in Afghanistan.

It can also be mentioned that Claesson enjoys playing the electric guitar in the band "Blöffes pågar".

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Södermalm Explosion Deemed a Misfire by Police

Södermalm Explosion Deemed a Misfire by Police

Hackers Threaten to Release Personal Data After Miljödata Breach

Hackers Threaten to Release Personal Data After Miljödata Breach

Gotland Braces for Heavy Rain as SMHI Issues Yellow Warning

Gotland Braces for Heavy Rain as SMHI Issues Yellow Warning

Swedish Potato Farmers Face PFAS Dilemma Amid Consumer Demands

Swedish Potato Farmers Face PFAS Dilemma Amid Consumer Demands

Head-on Collision on E4 in Huskvarna Sends Five to Hospital

Head-on Collision on E4 in Huskvarna Sends Five to Hospital

Kristersson Criticizes Stegrud's Actions in Stockholm Incident

Kristersson Criticizes Stegrud's Actions in Stockholm Incident

Kristersson Invites Center Party to Join Growth Pact

Kristersson Invites Center Party to Join Growth Pact

Swedish Citizens Extradited from Dubai Arrested for Serious Crimes

Swedish Citizens Extradited from Dubai Arrested for Serious Crimes

SMHI Issues New Rain Warning for Flood-Hit Västernorrland

SMHI Issues New Rain Warning for Flood-Hit Västernorrland

Man Arrested for Murder of Elderly Man in Skurup

Man Arrested for Murder of Elderly Man in Skurup

Ebba Busch Calls for Stricter Measures Against Disruptive Demonstrators

Ebba Busch Calls for Stricter Measures Against Disruptive Demonstrators

Red-Green Coalition Uncertain Despite Opposition Lead in Polls

Red-Green Coalition Uncertain Despite Opposition Lead in Polls

Ebba Busch on Potential Exclusion of Liberals from Future Government

Ebba Busch on Potential Exclusion of Liberals from Future Government

Explosion Reported at Södermalm Apartment Building

Explosion Reported at Södermalm Apartment Building

Man Sentenced for Secretly Filming Under Skirts and Child Pornography

Man Sentenced for Secretly Filming Under Skirts and Child Pornography

Why Hailstorms Are Increasing: Insights from Chinese Researchers

Why Hailstorms Are Increasing: Insights from Chinese Researchers

Moderate Party Proposes Plan to Reduce Healthcare Waiting Times

Moderate Party Proposes Plan to Reduce Healthcare Waiting Times

Woman Hospitalized After Assault in Malmö; Suspect Arrested

Woman Hospitalized After Assault in Malmö; Suspect Arrested

National Road 90 Reopens After Landslide in Västernorrland

National Road 90 Reopens After Landslide in Västernorrland

Study Finds Electric Bicycles Riskier Than Electric Scooters

Study Finds Electric Bicycles Riskier Than Electric Scooters