Minister of Civil Affairs Lena Micko (S) does not consider that there is reason to allow the Stockholm region to pause or drop payments to the equalization system. The region has written to the government and requested it.

- No I do not think so. But I should be humble and say that the home situation should be treated, says Minister of Civil Affairs Lena Micko (S).

She points out that the national equalization system for distributing burdens between richer and less well-off regions and municipalities has been supported by a broad majority in the Riksdag and that it was recently changed.

Stockholm has better conditions for coping with the pandemic

The Stockholm region has been one of the strongest critics of the changes as the result was increased payments for the region.

- The purpose of the equalization is for the whole country to live, Micko emphasizes, adding that Stockholm has better conditions than others to cope with the pandemic as well.

She emphasizes that the government has also contributed many billions in government grants to municipalities and regions and in addition promised to cover extra costs that the pandemic has given. And the door for additional supplements is not closed.