Åsele municipal councilor Andreas From (Social Democrats) has purchased a house from a demented woman without the property being listed on the open market, according to reports from P4 Västerbotten. The sale has drawn criticism from the woman's son, who was recovering from a stroke at the time and unable to protest the transaction.
Last summer, From bought a house in Åsele with lake views, a barn, and several hectares of forest for 280,000 kronor. The property was sold by the woman's guardian, Enar Nordin, who also serves on the municipal council for the Åsele Party. Nordin reportedly stated the house needed to be sold because it was costing the woman money and stood unused.
I was sleeping and then they swindle me out of the house.
The sale was approved by the Överförmyndarnämnden (Guardianship Board) in southern Lapland, though according to an expert in guardianship law interviewed by P4, the transaction goes against normal practice. The woman's son, Anders Hedlund, told the radio station: 'I was sleeping and then they swindle me out of the house.'
Andreas From defended the purchase to SVT, stating: 'I don't think I've done anything wrong since the board approved the sale. I refer all questions to the board.' He added that he was unaware the son was ill when the process began. The son reportedly appealed the decision but later withdrew the appeal voluntarily.
I don't think I've done anything wrong since the board approved the sale. I refer all questions to the board.
The Guardianship Board's chairman, Jon Essebro (Center Party) in Lycksele, declined to comment on the case.