Inflation could reach "well above 2 percent," according to Thedéen. The Swedish Central Bank (Sweden's central bank) has an inflation target of 2 percent.
"Looking ahead, we see some risks. It has to do with the fact that there seems to be cost pressure in the corporate sector, which risks spreading to the consumer sector," he tells TT.
On Wednesday, Statistics Sweden (the national statistics agency) announced that inflation measured by the CPIF rose to 1.5 percent in September, from 0.7 percent in August, according to preliminary figures.
No "done deal"
After the inflation figure was released, some analysts were almost certain that the Swedish Central Bank would raise interest rates at its next meeting in November.
It's never clear. But in the minutes we published immediately after the meeting in September, I was clear in my assessment that there are many indications that there will be an increase in November. After all, there are still a few weeks left, so nothing is a "done deal" until we meet and decide, says Thedéen.
And what is your assessment today?
I'm a little cautious there. I can only say that we now have this inflation figure, we've also got some growth figures, and we'll see what we have overall when we get to November.
Inflation figures are affected, among other things, by temporary tax cuts on food and fuel. The question is whether the new government should extend them.
I have no views on individual measures, says Thedéen, but adds that it is important that the fiscal policy framework is followed.
Politics don't interfere
The fact that Sweden is governed by a caretaker government does not affect Thedéen's work.
"It doesn't affect the Swedish Central Bank in any way because we are independent of the political system. But it is clear that it is always good for a country to have a government," he says.
How long can it take before it affects your work?
I can't assess that. It's clear that the country should have a fully functioning government - that must be the goal. But when I'm asked whether it matters much to the Swedish economy if it takes four or eight weeks, my answer is that I don't think it does.
