At a press conference, the finance minister outlined the guidelines for the transitional budget. One of the main principles is that no new items will be included, but funding for the Crown Princess’s 50th birthday celebration is still in the budget. That is not a big deal in budgetary terms, though - four million kronor.
I think all parties, from right to left, think that is reasonable, says Svantesson.
The election campaign was full of promises. The various parties promised measures such as increased child benefits, lower taxes, the abolition of the qualifying-period deduction, and cheaper preschool, dental care and public transport.
But since there is no government in place, the 2027 budget bill that Elisabeth Svantesson will present contains no such promises.
Agree
It is not an ordinary budget bill with new policies. It is about making Sweden work and, basically, extending the appropriations that apply this year, she says.
Twice during the autumn, she met representatives of the other parliamentary parties to agree on the principles that will apply to the transitional budget.
Svantesson does not want to give any details about the contents at this stage. But, basically, the appropriation levels in this year’s budget will also apply next year, apart from the usual price and wage increases.
Some appropriations are being increased after all. For example, the Armed Forces’ budget will be increased to support rearmament. All parties support this.
Once Svantesson has submitted the budget to the Riksdag, the other parties will have until November 27 to propose changes, either individually or jointly.
Can challenge
No parties have yet announced whether they will try to challenge the government’s transitional budget.
It is not ruled out that the Tidö parties will present a joint motion in the Riksdag, according to Elisabeth Svantesson. In that case, it could win support over the transitional budget unless the red-greens coordinate.
But we’re not there yet, she says.
As finance minister in a caretaker government, it is my task to present a transitional budget.
The parties that succeed in forming a new government will also have the opportunity to implement their economic policies by presenting supplementary budgets this spring.
