There is a housing shortage in three out of four municipalities today and to speed up housing construction, the Liberals and the Center Party pushed through the demand for free rent for newly built tenancies after the last election, as part of the January agreement with the government.
In a few weeks, an inquiry will suggest how this should be done.
- When you open up for market rents, you put pressure on all other tenancies and then we know that it leads to a market pricing in the entire portfolio, says the Left Party's party leader Nooshi Dadgostar.
Completely different opinion
But Liberal Party leader Nyamko Sabuni believes that free rents for newly built tenancies benefit the relocation chains and housing construction.
- There is a need for more housing where those who have a better income can move to the new one, which may cost a little more and there may then be a vacant larger home in the existing stock, she says.
Threatens to overthrow the government
In January 2019, the Western Party's then leader Jonas Sjöstedt threatened to overthrow the government if the government submits proposals for market rents.
The threat remains, even with a new party leader.
- We have no confidence in a prime minister who submits a proposal that entails increased rents for three million Swedes.
What exactly are you going to do?
- Then we will withdraw our confidence in the Prime Minister.
You need a majority behind you?
- If the Moderates want to support the Prime Minister, it is up to them.
See the whole debate in Agenda on SVT Play.