The threats after the decision to close down the bathhouse were too much for Ludvika politician Ann-Christin Anderberg (KD).
During the midsummer weekend, she chose to leave the city to breathe in another place.
– We didn’t think it was fun to be at home, says Ann-Christin Anderberg to TV4 Nyheterna.
Like many municipalities, Ludvika is struggling with the economy. In order for the calculation to add up, the municipality must save one and a half percent of the budget this year, and they have introduced both hiring and purchasing freezes.
As part of the austerity package, the majority have voted to shut down operations in Grängesberg’s bathhouse, which is run by the culture and community development board.
In mid-June, municipal councilor Ann-Christin Anderberg (KD) receives a call from the municipality’s head of security, who tells her that they have reported to the police what is perceived as a threat directed at her and her colleagues Håge Persson (M) and Leif Andersson (S). It was New Ludvika Newspaper first to tell about.
“Extremely bad touch”
The threats appear in a Facebook group where many Grängesberg residents have expressed disappointment at the news. One person writes “Your house is burning down”.
– I am extremely badly affected. I feel that I cannot defend myself against it, says Ann-Christin Anderberg to TV4 Nyheterna.
Ann-Christin describes the feeling of staying at home as unpleasant, and during the midsummer weekend she and her husband made the decision to leave home.
– We didn’t think it was fun to be at home, so we went away and took a weekend in another place, says Ann-Christin Anderberg.
Can’t duck uncomfortable decisions
Anderberg has been involved in politics in Ludvika since 2010, first in a local grouping and then in the Christian Democrats.
– I have never been involved in such a threatening situation before. It’s tougher attitude somehow.
– It is clear that we as politicians make uncomfortable decisions, but you must not duck for them. And not many municipalities of our size have two bathhouses.
Ann-Christin Anderberg feels that the support, both from colleagues locally and from the party organization, is strong. Now she thinks it is important to overcome the threats that have occurred.
– It is very serious if this harsh tone sticks. How can we get people to dare to invest in politics and want to be involved, says Ann-Christin.