Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Billström denies rift: Good relationship

Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) denies that a rift has arisen between him and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and that this would have led to his resignation. He avoids answering whether he was offered the job as EU Commissioner.

» Updated: 26 September 2024, 18:00

» Published: 05 September 2024

Billström denies rift: Good relationship
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Tobias Billström announced his resignation to everyone's surprise on Wednesday. He is leaving politics entirely next week when the Riksdag opens again.

One should leave when it's most fun. When the government took office, we set three goals for foreign and security policy. Sweden would join NATO. We would arrange a successful EU presidency. Support for Ukraine would increase. And the first two goals have been achieved.

Sweden has probably taken the lead in supporting and gathering support for Ukraine. And I'm proud of the impact.

The reorientation of security policy and NATO membership on March 7 this year is his proudest moment.

It wouldn't have been possible without the hard work put in by the government and officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other parts of the Government Offices. So, I'm most proud of that.

Allegation of conflict

There have been reports in the media of a conflict between Prime Minister Kristersson and the Foreign Minister. Among other things, allegedly because Kristersson has interfered too much in Billström's areas of responsibility, such as during the NATO process and in connection with the release of Johan Floderus.

Why are these reports emerging?

No idea. I have no idea and I have no explanation. And I don't want to speculate, says Billström.

In addition, it has been reported that Kristersson offered Billström the job as EU Commissioner.

I've always said that I'm not available for such an assignment. And already when the first speculations came in January this year, I was very clear. I'm not available as a Commissioner.

You're not available, but did you get Kristersson's question?

All questions about the process should be directed to the Prime Minister. I can only answer for myself.

Denies: Not true

Billström describes the relationship between them as good and that it has remained good over many years. There are no special contradictions, he continues.

He also denies reports that his decision to leave the government after two years has to do with the election of a new cabinet secretary. He has not submitted any such name that has been rejected.

These claims are not true, says Billström.

What he will do now is unclear.

I'll go out and see what's offered outside the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' walls and what opportunities there are to utilize my knowledge and experience. I'm really looking forward to that.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime
1 MIN READ

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime

The Government Extends Border Control
1 MIN READ

The Government Extends Border Control

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen
2 MIN READ

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg
2 MIN READ

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud
2 MIN READ

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"