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Ebba Busch, the Energy and Industry Minister, is advocating for a new era of settler spirit in Sweden, where the state takes a greater responsibility for large investments. This new major political project may require a complete revision of Sweden’s financial policy, something that the KD leader is now open to.
During a recent visit to Ludvika, where 120 years of industry is housed, Ebba Busch stated that nuclear power, roads, railways, housing, and welfare must be expanded with the state as the driving force. She emphasized the need for the state to lead with clear objectives and to function more as an accelerator in order to take Sweden into a new construction era.
The need for a longer-term perspective in these investments has been acknowledged by Ebba Busch, including the potential for government investment and sharing of risks in building new nuclear power. This departure from the traditional approach of hands-off government involvement in such propositions signals a significant shift in thinking for the KD leader.
The proposal is part of a larger new project for the Christian Democrats, whose public standing is currently around three to four percent. The party is focusing on an era of community building, where various policy areas such as infrastructure, housing, energy, welfare, and skills supply will be developed. This aligns with the vision of creating a modern version of the Swedish social democratic “newbuilder” era.
Ebba Busch is open to considering new ways to finance large investments, which could potentially involve increasing the national debt. This marks a significant departure from conventional fiscal policies, with the KD leader citing the need for a different approach and the potential for collaboration between state capital and outside investment firms.
The proposed shift in approach echoes the concept of “Folkhemmet’s Sweden” between the 1930s and 1970s, where the state played a central role in expanding critical sectors. The overarching goal of these investments is to create a foundation that cannot be rolled back, with the hope of attracting long-term investments from both domestic and international entities.
This new project represents a significant departure from traditional thinking and sets the stage for a potential revamp of Sweden’s economy and fiscal policies. As Ebba Busch looks to the future, she anticipates that new ideas in four, six, and twelve years will continue to build upon this foundation. The first steps for this ambitious project are now being laid out, signaling a potential shift in Sweden’s economic and political landscape.