The Land and Environment Court stopped the detailed plan for Biltema's establishment in Kiruna, citing conflict with the national interest for reindeer husbandry, according to multiple reports. The area, located on the right side of the E10 at the eastern entrance to Kiruna between the large roundabout and Tuolluvaara, was intended to accommodate commerce, restaurants, and housing.
Stefan Sydberg (M), a local politician, called the decision unreasonable. According to SVT Nyheter, Sydberg described the ruling as a consequence of reindeer husbandry's status as a national interest hindering growth, adding that in the worst case the project won't happen and that it affects all Kiruna residents. The decision comes the same week that the status of reindeer husbandry has been questioned in a notable proposal from the Christian Democrats' Ebba Busch and Peter Kullgren. The Moderates have partly agreed with the views questioning reindeer husbandry's status.
Jenny Wik Karlsson, representing Gabna sameby in the process, said the land is crucial. According to SVT Nyheter, she described the area as important for reindeer that do not follow the collective migration, and she hopes the decision will not lead to further polarized debate. Kiruna municipality has the option to appeal to a higher instance or start over. It remains unclear whether the municipality will appeal or what the timeline for a new planning process might be.