The question of whether municipalities and authorities should be required to report to the police when they encounter individuals who are staying in the country without permission has been one of the most contentious issues in the cooperation between the Sweden Democrats, The Moderate Party, The Christian Democrats, and The Liberals.
Especially the Sweden Democrats and The Liberals have been on a collision course.
Now, all four parties have agreed to make broad exceptions for personnel in healthcare, schools, social services, and libraries. This was done even before the inquiry presented its proposals on Tuesday.
Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, does not hide that he would have liked to see a much broader obligation to report to the police.
Of course, we think it would have been good, and it's also an important symbolic issue. But we can live without it. Overall, the effect will still be good, he says.
Satisfied with the overall outcome
He does not want to answer what the Sweden Democrats got in return for agreeing to the exceptions. But he is satisfied with the overall outcome.
The duty to provide information is important, but the important thing is found elsewhere in this report, he says.
First and foremost, the possibility of seizing communication equipment, forcing people to open them, and searching social media to find ID documents. It's a very effective tool.
He also highlights that the age limit for fingerprinting children is lowered from 14 to six years and that fingerprints will be taken when granting citizenship and checked against the police register.
L: "Victory"
The Liberals see the agreement as a victory for Sweden. Party leader Johan Pehrson says he is pleased with everyone working in schools, healthcare, social services, and libraries.
I'm especially glad for children who have the right to attend school.
Sometimes the Sweden Democrats get a little more on some issues. We have gotten this through. It has been important for us.
Even Lena Hallengren, group leader for the Social Democrats in the Riksdag, is satisfied.
I note that the Sweden Democrats are not serious. Their policy does not stand up to reality. They have spent a couple of years scaring teachers, doctors, and social workers – fortunately, it now seems that the inquiry will get support and the informer law will not become a reality, she says.
