- This is a policy area that is growing faster than everyone else. In 20 years, it has tripled. It is now about twice the size we put on the police, says Elisabeth Svantesson (M), economic policy spokesperson, to SVT News.

The proposal is part of the foreign policy platform to be considered by the party's general meeting in October.

One percent of GNI

So far, like all parliamentary parties except the Swedish Democrats, the moderates have maintained the 1 percent goal for aid. This means that an amount corresponding to 1 per cent of gross national income (GNI) will be allocated to aid each year. As the economy has grown over time, some years a lot, the amount has been higher and the billions more, with the exception of some years.

This has been the case, regardless of whether there was the capacity and opportunity to manage the money or suitable projects to use the assistance for. This year there is a budget of SEK 50 billion, although some have long been used for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' administrative costs and some costs for asylum reception in Sweden.

Want to make plans over four years

At the same time, difficulties arise from one year to another when GNP decreases and rapid reductions must be made.

- We would rather see a four-year plan in the budget, in order to get a better focus on results and be able to follow up in a better way, says Svantesson.

- Sweden has great needs. We need to shorten the care queues, ensure that the municipalities receive more resources and strengthen the police and the judiciary.

The proposal has faced criticism from political opponents, including the Left Party.

- We think the one percent goal should be a floor. In a world that is becoming increasingly polarized and where unrest is increasing, our assistance is needed more than ever before, says Yasmine Posio Nilsson (V), aid policy spokesperson.