At 4:00 p.m., the chairman of the defense committee, Hans Wallmark (M), called a press conference. Behind him is the message “Time for action” – and it immediately came into focus.
– It is very important that the civil defense in the near term must develop a higher combined total defense capability, he says.
“Deep Serious Mode”
According to him, it is important that the work should include the whole community, and it is also not possible to wait for additional resources, according to Wallmark.
– Everyone has a role to play in the total defence, he says.
– The build-up takes place from a low level and therefore it is important to emphasize the time aspect. It is important to do something now.
He also emphasizes the “deeply serious situation” triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
– An armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out. It also cannot be ruled out that military means of force or further threats of such may be used against Sweden, says Hans Wallmark.
Quick decisions
The defense committee has learned lessons from how Ukrainian society handled an initially chaotic situation when Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. The defense committee points, among other things, to the importance of quick decision-making.
“The importance of clear and flexible leadership cannot be emphasized enough,” says the report, which was presented on Tuesday.
Therefore, among other things, clearer management and obedience relationships in the civil defense are proposed. The defense committee also points to the importance of protecting and securing critical infrastructure and having the ability to repair and restore functions that have been completely or partially knocked out.
A functioning infrastructure is also important for Sweden to be able to receive military support from NATO countries. The Defense Committee believes that the rescue services’ ability to handle war must be strengthened.
In the report, it is proposed that “as soon as possible” begin the recruitment and basic training of civil servants for the needs of the rescue service and parts of the repair preparedness. The defense committee also sees a clear need for a strong reinforcement of the police to fulfill tasks in war. It could, for example, be about heavier vehicles for safe transport with protection and protected premises.