Trägårdh defends Swedish culture canon proposal against criticism

Lars Trägårdh, a professor at Uppsala University, has defended a proposal for a Swedish culture canon against criticism from referral bodies. Trägårdh, who led the work on the canon for a couple of years, reportedly handed over the final report to Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M) at a press conference at Gustavianum in Uppsala last September. He has since stated he is speaking as a private person, no longer holding a government assignment. According to reports, Trägårdh expressed difficulty understanding why the funding proposal for the canon is being criticized, noting that the General Heritage Fund reportedly has ample funds. He also reportedly stands by the report's formulation about 'failed integration of immigrants.' The culture canon, presented by Liljestrand and Trägårdh last fall, has been hotly debated and met with criticism. Social Democrat Lawen Redar has reportedly criticized it as unserious, authoritarian, and petty, arguing that a list of 50-year-old works does not solve any problems.