Everyday from the world: Finland has received incense, but it is also given to Sweden

STOCKHOLM Finland has been smoked in Sweden in recent months. The reason is the traction aid that Finland gave to Sweden in NATO decision-making.

The Swedes have previously admired Finland’s security of supply stocks, strong defense forces and high-quality education.

After the afternoon newspaper Express (switch to another service) made a listing of Finland’s strengths a couple of years ago, it also recorded the efficient operation of the police and the fact that you can get a rental apartment in Finland in a day.

At the same time as the image of Finland has taken on new dimensions, the image of Sweden has suffered, also in the eyes of the country’s citizens.

Nearly daily shootings are the biggest reason, but the actions at the beginning of the pandemic – or the decisions not to act – have also had a lot of impact.

My correspondence term ends this summer and I have been considering things that I would be happy to take to Finland as well.

These are the things I have most often focused on over the past three years:

Taking care of and encouraging children is paramount.

Children are encouraged to share their views. They get to be seen and heard exactly as they are.

In Finland, parents are currently reducing childcare during the summer holidays. There is no problem in Sweden.

The child can be in club activities with acquaintances at school. It is also available all year round before and after school days.

Medicines for people under the age of 18 are free of charge in Sweden, in addition to medical care.

Families with children in Stockholm are also delighted by the benefits of public transport. They support children’s access to hobbies.

7-11 year olds travel for free on weekends and this year young people will get free tickets for the whole summer

Sweden adheres to the fiscal rules agreed after the recession of the 1990s.

This has led to Swedish government debt at around 35% of GDP.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the then Minister of Finance Magdalena Andersson drummed with satisfaction that Sweden has saved for such crises.

Finland’s debt ratio is about 70 percent.

In Sweden, experience is valued.

Overall, Sweden has the second highest employment rate in the EU, at 80.7 per cent.

The ability of Swedes to sell and attract investment is amazing.

At present, projects worth EUR 100 billion are under way in northern Sweden, for example.

The secret, according to those who know the matter, is that Swedes sell goods and services, even if they are still unfinished.

The Swedes respond to the customer’s requests with “success” and that’s how they get a foot in the door. They then find out from their network how to fulfill the order and the customer’s wishes.

Swedes are also not afraid to praise their products.

Being together and doing things is appreciated.

I was filming in Luleå the second autumn and I was doing a lot of rush to complete the programs in the editorial facilities of a few people.

At exactly 3 p.m., the bell rang and everyone in the delivery left for a common afternoon coffee. There was no reason to miss the gathering.

In some places, there may be a patch on the door on weekdays from 12 noon to 1 p.m., when the entire workplace is eating lunch together.

Common moments emphasize that everyone is important and everyone is needed.

There are pros and cons to the famous self-confidence of Swedes.

Sometimes Swedes collapse to consider themselves better than others, and that does not result in good.

Self-confidence brings a basic positive mood to Swedish life. Everything is clear, there is a possibility in everything. Failure is not a failure, but an attempt.

In a tight spot, the Swede is saying that this is still a good thing.

Discuss here 15.6. until 11 pm: What things would you praise Sweden for?

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