Culture Minister Declines Gothenburg Film Festival Opening Amid Industry Criticism

Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (Moderaterna) has declined to open this year's Gothenburg Film Festival, reportedly marking the first time since 2007 that a sitting culture minister will not perform the opening ceremony. According to SVT Kultur, Liljestrand cited the need to 'prioritize other commitments' as her reason for declining the invitation, though her press secretary did not specify what those commitments entail.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from prominent film director Ruben Östlund, who serves as honorary chairman of the Gothenburg Film Festival. In comments reported by Skånska Dagbladet, Östlund stated that 'unfortunately, Moderates seem to have such poor self-confidence regarding cultural policy that they become aggressive when they have to handle their job.'

Östlund further told SVT that while he understands the festival wants the sitting culture minister to attend, he doesn't believe 'Parisa or anyone else who doesn't have the competence should be invited on stage in Gothenburg.' The conflict between the culture minister and the film industry appears to be ongoing, with neither side showing willingness to extend a friendly hand, according to analysis from SVT's culture editor Per Andersson.