The wars in the world create general anxiety, says King Carl Gustaf. He thinks that the will to defend in Sweden is strong.
If it were to get even worse, you know there would be many who would stand up and want to be involved, says the king.
The King is attending the People and Defense National Conference in Sälen and on Sunday listened to the speech in which the Prime Minister said that there is no war in Sweden, but neither is it peace.
That’s exactly what it’s all about. Unfortunately, there is no peace anywhere. We thought we had entered a calmer period, but unfortunately it is not like that, and wars break out in many places in the world. It creates a general concern of course, the king tells TT.
Tangible awareness
He notes that interest in defense issues has grown and that awareness of the situation is palpable.
The public wants to know more and also wants to know what can be done, how can one help, to create this kit in total defence, says the king.
How does the king view the will to defend Sweden?
It has clearly increased in view of the global situation. We had a very large influx to the Home Guard when the war in Ukraine broke out. It was a spontaneous mobilization, individual people wanted to do their service and help.
As time has passed, it may have lost a bit of its edge, but it is still there. If it were to get even worse, you know that there would be many who would stand up and want to join.
“Should take the chance”
As a result of the security situation, the number of conscripts will increase.
I think there are many who should take the chance. You learn a lot, you learn respect and camaraderie for each other and you also learn to work in groups and help each other, says the king.
He continues:
In many other contexts, I don’t always think that there is that sense of cooperation, but it’s just me, me, me. Here it is important to work in a group and that is the strength.