Gothenburg Appeals to Western Swedish Cities for Refugee Reception Support
In a proactive move, the municipality of Gothenburg has reached out to 48 western Swedish cities, offering them the opportunity to voluntarily accept a portion of Gothenburg’s refugee reception next year. The chairman of the municipal board, Jonas Attenius (S), expressed his disappointment in the lack of responsibility taken by wealthy regional municipalities in welcoming refugees.
Attenius believes that it is crucial for other cities to step up and contribute to the reception efforts so that Gothenburg can finally pay off its integration debt. Recognizing that enforcement is not possible, Attenius is appealing to cities to support Gothenburg in its ongoing work.
“We cannot force them, but we can appeal to them to support us in the work going forward,” stated Attenius.
The burden of refugee reception has been a constant challenge for Gothenburg, as it strives to provide accommodation, education, healthcare, and integration services to those seeking asylum. Despite their best efforts, the municipality is struggling to keep up with the demands and costs associated with the process.
Gothenburg’s initiative aims to distribute the responsibility of refugee reception among other cities in the region. By doing so, it is hoped that the influx of asylum seekers in Gothenburg will become more manageable, allowing for a more effective integration process.
The letter sent to western Swedish cities emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for solidarity among municipalities. Gothenburg is calling on these cities to share the responsibility and contribute to the successful integration of refugees in the region.
The response from the cities contacted remains to be seen, but Gothenburg’s plea for support highlights the need for collective action in addressing the challenges posed by refugee reception and integration. It is hoped that this initiative will spark a collaborative effort among municipalities and lead to a more equitable distribution of responsibilities.