Christian Democrat (KD) leader Ebba Busch has proposed reducing the priority of reindeer herding in Sweden, arguing that the industry covers large areas but has limited economic significance, according to KD. Speaking at a press conference, Busch said that Sámi rights and culture should still be protected, but support should be prioritized for Sámi culture and language instead of reindeer herding. She also stated that reindeer herding cannot always have priority over everything. The proposal includes reducing the number of reindeer and reconsidering subsidies for the reindeer industry, according to KD. Busch and party colleague Peter Kullgren wrote that reindeer herding creates lock-ins in Norrland and the state must be able to make reasonable trade-offs. They argued that hunting and fishing on state land should be allocated by the state, not by Sámi villages. KD wants to appoint an inquiry into the reindeer herd, and Busch sees a reduction of the herd as necessary, especially in the security policy situation. The party believes the reindeer industry's interests weigh too heavily on large areas, hindering other people's freedom and future. Kullgren said KD wants the state to regain responsibility for land in the mountains and to weigh reindeer herding against jobs, energy, mines, and infrastructure.
Sámi leaders and legal experts have condemned the proposal as an attack on indigenous rights. According to NRK Sápmi, Inger-Ann Omma from Vapsten sameby described the proposal as populist and unworthy. Omma is a candidate for the Green Party in the autumn election. According to Piteå-Tidningen, Jenny Wik Karlsson, legal counsel for the Swedish Sámi Association (SSR), described the proposal as sloppy and concerning constitutionally protected rights. According to Dagens Nyheter, Wik Karlsson called the proposal 'Trump-like'. According to Sveriges Radio Nyheter, Sami Parliament chair Marianne Gråik said that the Sami are an indigenous people and reindeer herding is traditional culture that cannot be prioritized away. According to swedenherald.com, Matti Blind Berg, chairman of the Swedish Sámi Federation, described the proposal as benefiting actors who want to capitalize on natural resources at the expense of indigenous rights. He also interpreted KD's suggestion as an attempt to circumvent the 2020 Girjas judgment, which affirmed Sámi reindeer herding rights. According to swedenherald.com, Jan Riise of the Green Party described the proposal as giving an untrue and polarizing image of Sápmi.
The proposal is populist and unworthy.
KD argues that reindeer herding hinders development and security. Busch and Kullgren wrote that reindeer herding creates lock-ins in Norrland, preventing the state from making reasonable trade-offs between different interests. They want the state to regain responsibility for land in the mountains and to weigh reindeer herding against jobs, energy, mines, and infrastructure. Busch sees a reduction of the reindeer herd as necessary, especially in the security policy situation, though she did not specify exact numbers. KD proposes appointing an inquiry into the reindeer herd to examine the issue further. The party believes the reindeer industry's interests weigh too heavily on large areas, hindering other people's freedom and future. Kullgren said the state should allocate hunting and fishing on state land, not Sámi villages.
The government is promoting northern Sweden as a green transition hub, highlighting tensions with reindeer herding. Ministers Ebba Busch, Johan Pehrson, and Andreas Carlson are inviting the EU Commission to Kiruna to showcase northern Sweden as a growth engine for green transition. Research indicates that northern Sweden has assets in rivers, ore, and forest that are the basis for green transition, creating jobs and competitiveness. The current government ministers say the previous government understood the potential of northern Sweden but did not do enough to realize it. The government has established a super-ministry linking climate, energy, and business to accelerate green transition and will develop a strategy for northern Sweden. Research shows that the electricity system in northern Sweden is underdeveloped relative to future needs, and more fossil-free electricity production is needed. Sweden has a unique position in Europe for supply of iron ore, steel, and critical raw materials, but new mines are rarely opened. The government says an inquiry will be appointed this year to simplify and clarify permit processes for starting mines. Research indicates that Norrbotten and Västerbotten have labor shortages and low unemployment, with high need for vocational and higher education.
The proposal appears sloppy and concerns constitutionally protected rights.
The proposal is part of the Christian Democrats' election campaign, according to major media reports. However, several unknowns remain: what specific reduction in reindeer numbers does KD propose? What is the exact legal mechanism for removing reindeer herding's national interest status? How would the proposed changes affect existing Sámi land rights and the Girjas judgment? What is the Moderates' specific position on reindeer herding's national interest status? What is the timeline for KD's proposed inquiry into the reindeer herd? These questions are likely to be debated as the election approaches.
The Sami are an indigenous people and reindeer herding is traditional culture that cannot be prioritized away.
The proposal benefits actors who want to capitalize on natural resources at the expense of indigenous rights.
KD's suggestion is an attempt to circumvent the 2020 Girjas judgment.
The proposal gives an untrue and polarizing image of Sápmi.