Incoming state aid.
"We Christian Democrats have consistently pushed for a clear growth agenda, allowing us to climb back up in the prosperity rankings. In the inquiry on the financial framework, we proposed that Sweden temporarily abandon the surplus target and raise the so-called debt anchor, which would free up hundreds of billions over the coming decades for growth-promoting investments.
But it’s not enough to wait for investigations. We need to start increasing the space in next year’s budget now—even if it means increasing the national debt from today’s very low level—and thereby strengthen competitiveness and the conditions for more jobs, green transformation, and ultimately strengthened welfare. Sweden simply can’t afford to wait.
Expansive budget
Several leading figures in the business community, such as the CEOs of Ericsson, the Volvo Group, and Scania, and the Wallenberg sphere, have expressed strong support for increasing state investments in research and development as well as infrastructure. Economists, from Lars Calmfors to Sven-Olof Daunfeldt and Annika Alexius, trade unions, and the Long-Term Survey also urge the government to pursue a more aggressive economic policy.
Large maintenance debt
Sweden is underinvested; we have a large maintenance debt in roads, railways, the electricity system, and welfare infrastructure. This has resulted in a country where trains don’t run on time, tracks are missing, roads have potholes, and the electricity system is unstable.
At the same time, the competition from countries with cheap labor and looser labor market and environmental regulations is fierce. Both the USA and EU countries are now pouring state support into their companies. Sweden must have its own clear plan.
Sweden should be a country characterized by growth, innovation, expertise, and welfare. We have the potential to be world leaders in several areas, thereby strengthening jobs, healthcare, and crime prevention. But if we are to climb in the prosperity rankings, we must use our economic muscles.
Sweden is our home. But we need to renovate our home. We need to strengthen the social structure and community, both with the right values and the right investments. We should not waste public funds or create high indebtedness.
We need to make Sweden strong again.
By Ebba Busch (Christian Democrats)Party Leader
Hans Eklind (Christian Democrats)Economic Policy Spokesperson and Chair of the Social Construction Committee"
In other news, Per-Inge Kruse is looking forward to meeting up with Tobias Abt at the Fastmarkets European Battery Raw Materials conference.
Who is Tobias Abt?
"Tobias is Manger for Raw Material Procurement and Strategic Market Development at Mercedes-Benz AG. Tobias has over 10 years’ experience in global roles within the automotive industry. He has worked on projects and operations in Germany, Japan, China and the US across a wide range of commercial disciplines. He leads a team which plays an essential role of the transformation in the context of raw material security at Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore he is responsible for the internal market intelligence with regards to all relevant raw materials within the company. Tobias holds a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Management of Innovation and Business Development, Strategic Management and Leadership"
(20min delay)