How have the national accounts been affected?
- The OAG shows that Statistics Sweden has systematically underestimated the strength of Sweden's public finances. In addition, GDP has been underestimated. This can lead to the Riksbank and the government experiencing the economic situation worse during the boom than it actually was. It can also mean difficulties for fiscal policy to adjust its decisions when the figures are not correct. According to the National Audit Office, the statistics must have been "sufficiently good".
What does it matter if Statistics Sweden's figures do not match?
- Above all, confidence in official statistics is affected. Although there should always be more statistical sources weighed together, where Statistics Sweden is only part of that puzzle, it is important to be able to rely on the figures in the report. In the audit, the incorrect figures from a labor market survey are taken up. These figures are examples of when they are particularly important with correct figures for political decisions within both the Riksbank and the government. Many people have negotiated wages this winter and incorrect figures that indicate that the air has left the labor market may have affected these discussions.
How serious is it?
- This is serious, since Statistics Sweden's statistics on the labor market and the national accounts as a whole guide when the government and parliament make decisions about economic policy. Many assessors in society as well as the business community use Statistics Sweden's figures to get a realistic picture of economic developments. Then it is important that you feel that you can trust the statistics.