The investigation, which has been ongoing since September 2023, covers all government agencies with up to 100 employees.
The investigator must analyze whether the authorities carry out work that overlaps each other. And if there are authorities that need to be wound up or alternatively merged.
“I’m not that worried”
Originally, the results were to be reported already a month ago, but the investigator has been given an extension of time. In February, the investigation will now be handed over to the government.
The Sámi Parliament’s board chairman Håkan Jonsson is surprised that the Sámi Parliament is mentioned in the context.
– I’m not that worried, but at the same time you have to take it seriously. Just that we are part of the investigation is astonishing to me, he tells SVT Sápmi.
He continues:
– We are the authority for reindeer husbandry and Sami culture, and I find it hard to see how they would find any other form. It would run counter to Sami self-determination and how indigenous issues are handled internationally.
“The least bad we have”
During the year, Håkan Jonsson has not received any signals from the government that they are considering major changes for the Sami Parliament. He sees that as a positive sign.
– If the government had that intention, we would have had some form of consultation and that has not happened. If there had been plans for any change in the authority part, we would have received signals about it, he says.
He hopes that the investigation will not mean any changes for the Sami Parliament.
– The Sámi Parliament is a popularly elected body and it cannot be more democratic than that. It’s the least bad thing we have today.