"Unfortunately, moderates seem to have such low self-confidence when it comes to cultural policy that they become aggressive when it comes to handling their job," writes Östlund in a comment to SVT's Kulturnyheterna.
At the same time, he "really" doesn't think that "Parisa or anyone else who doesn't have the skills should be invited to the stage in Gothenburg," he continues.
By "aggressive" he refers to Liljestrand's statement at the opening of last year's film festival that it was not "politicians' job" to be the industry's "best friends and representatives in the government."
Liljestrand was booed after the speech, and this year she has turned down the invitation to open the festival, citing "other commitments." It will be the first time since 2007 that the sitting Minister of Culture has not opened the Gothenburg Film Festival, according to SVT.
