When Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) held a press conference after Hungary’s parliament voted yes to Swedish NATO membership, he said that the decision means that for the first time in 500 years the Nordic countries will have a common defense.
– We must defend our freedom with the countries closest to us, Kristersson said.
According to Kristersson, membership will mean a proper rearmament of Sweden’s defence. Sweden will reactivate civil service and increase the number of conscripts.
– Sweden will contribute with our unique defense capabilities, in the air, on the ground, at sea and under the surface. We want to get security, but we also want to provide security, he says.
Has “great respect” for critics
The prime minister also says that he has great respect for those who would have liked Sweden to stay outside NATO. He emphasizes that Sweden is leaving behind 200 years of non-alignment.
– We face the world as it looks, not as we wish it to look. And we are doing this for Sweden’s sake, he says.
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Andersson (S): Will strengthen the defense of our beloved country. Photo: SVT
Magdalena Andersson (S): The basic problem is still ongoing
When Sweden’s NATO application was submitted almost two years ago, it was Social Democrats party leader Magdalena Andersson who was prime minister.
– This is an announcement that will strengthen the defense of our beloved country, she says.
She believes that it is not time to sit back, despite this afternoon’s vote.
– What started this process, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is still ongoing. We need to continue arming ourselves, strengthen our own defense, says Magdalena Andersson.