Katrin Westling Palm is leaving her position as director general of Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) after nine years in the role. According to reports, her departure comes as she faces investigation for alleged breach of confidentiality along with two other senior managers at the agency.
The investigation reportedly stems from a long-running dispute with businessman Ola Nordquist, who has been in conflict with Skatteverket over tax matters. The managers are suspected of having disclosed personal information about Nordquist on the agency's website, which prompted a preliminary investigation by prosecutors.
Westling Palm has done 'solid and good work' during her time at Skatteverket and in previous roles within public administration, particularly in efforts to increase information sharing between authorities and in AI commission work.
Westling Palm has reportedly denied any wrongdoing. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson stated that Westling Palm has done 'solid and good work' during her time at Skatteverket and in previous roles within public administration, particularly in efforts to increase information sharing between authorities and in AI commission work.
Fredrik Rosengren, currently head of the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogdemyndigheten), has been appointed as the new director general of Skatteverket and will take up the position in May. Westling Palm will reportedly take on new responsibilities related to AI and Swedish language models.