In a statement, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says his thoughts are with the victims and their families. And that Sweden stands in solidarity with Germany.
And in Kristersson’s Christmas speech this morning, much was about the serious situation in the world and the war in Ukraine.
When the outside world is insecure, we stick together here at home.
In his speech from Harpsund, Ulf Kristersson (M) gave a dark picture of the present with geopolitical tensions, war, terrorism, cross-border crime and trade wars.
These are big trials for a small country in northern Europe, said the prime minister.
In that situation, according to Kristersson, it is crucial to see “beyond what separates us” and jointly stand up “for our country’s freedom and security”.
We all have a personal responsibility for Sweden. And we can take it in slightly different ways.
“All for one”
Kristersson highlighted that at the beginning of the year Sweden became a member of the NATO defense alliance and that the aim is to both receive and provide protection.
One for all, all for one, he said.
With regard to serious crime, he pointed out that the police had been given new powers. He mentioned, among other things, the possibility of introducing visitation zones and confiscating criminals’ possessions and that there will soon be “more cameras in town”.
At the same time, Kristersson noted that the economy is brightening and that inflation has moderated, which has eased the burden on households with lower interest rates.
When inflation is defeated, we can use the strength of the Swedish government finances. The economic policy is now focused on long-term investments and on growth reforms that build Sweden richer for future generations, he said, and gave investments in roads and railways as examples.
Shared responsibility
The prime minister said that he thinks the government’s policy is yielding results, but that much remains to be done to get “order in Sweden”.
Next year we will continue – with the same force, with the same speed and with the same determination.
But according to Kristersson, politics cannot do everything – a good society requires that everyone help each other.
We are different, but Sweden is our shared responsibility. In times of crisis, we gather.