Svantesson's fundamental assessments about the Swedish economy are in the right place. She points out that indicators have now shown for six months in a row that optimism is rising among households and businesses, albeit in slightly different ways. And the Swedish economy is "very stable," she claims.
Trump concerns
- And this despite an American president whose actions are unpredictable, the war in our immediate area and other global developments, Svantesson says.
She also notes that many households are still struggling, but that more can see the future optimistically, due to increased public investment in areas such as defense, the justice system, and roads and railways. And since inflation has fallen, more people can hope to have more money to spend.
- We are now strengthening Swedish growth, says the Minister of Finance.
High unemployment
But she also points out that the high unemployment rate is a cause for concern. Although the telecom giant recently notified 1,600 employees that they may be laid off, she does not see this as a sign of a general wave of layoffs.
- I don't see a trend of large notices and layoffs.
The move by US President Trump and his government to try to bring US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to justice is also a cause for concern.
- I am deeply concerned on a personal level, Svantesson says, adding that there could be problems in the economy if the bank's independence is questioned and if more people in other countries follow Trump's actions.
The Social Democrats' economic policy spokesman, Mikael Damberg, does not see the situation as positively as the Minister of Finance.
"The government is leaving behind a deficit of 363 billion kronor during its term, while the labor market has cracked. Over half a million people are out of work, and as recently as yesterday, the news came that Ericsson is laying off 1,600 employees in Sweden," he writes.
