The Swedish opposition has launched criticism against the government's centralization policies, claiming that state jobs are disappearing from smaller municipalities like Timrå and Ånge. According to reports, citizens are increasingly forced to use digital services instead of physical service offices.
Social Democratic MP Peder Björk criticized the government's direction, stating: "It's completely the wrong way to go. This is about political priorities and pure will." He specifically pointed to the relocation of the Folke Bernadotte Academy's headquarters from Kramfors to Stockholm in 2025 as an example of the centralization trend.
it is the wrong direction, involving political priorities and pure will
In response, Moderate Party MP Jörgen Berglund defended the government's position, arguing that the Social Democrats have made too much of the Folke Bernadotte Academy move. "It was very few positions, and according to the Riksdag's investigation service, the number of state jobs in our county has grown by 209 positions," Berglund said.
The government has emphasized digital solutions as substitutes for physical meetings, but the opposition maintains that physical service offices are necessary to maintain the contract between the state and citizens. Berglund countered that the government prioritizes police, justice system, and defense over maintaining service offices across the country.
the Social Democrats have made too much of the academy move, noting that according to the Riksdag's investigation service, the number of state jobs in their county has grown by 209 positions
Björk emphasized the need to rebuild service offices, noting that digital tools are not accessible to everyone. "Not everyone can handle it. Then you need to go to a physical service office," he said.
the government and parliamentary majority have chosen to invest in police and justice, defense of Sweden, and allies, which is more important than having service offices across the country
service offices need to be rebuilt, as digital tools are not for everyone and some cannot handle them, requiring physical service offices