Scrap the proposal for a reduced petrol tax.
That is the message from the think tank Timbro in a debate article in Aftonbladet.
"Unfortunately, the party's climate policy is polluted by the proposal", writes Ellen Gustafsson, environmental and climate manager at Timbro, who believes that there is no room for the Moderates to lower the tax on fuel if the party "should shoulder the role of green right fully".
"Removes an overtaxation"
In its shadow budget, the party proposes a reduction of petrol and diesel taxes by SEK 1 per liter, at a total cost of SEK 7 billion in 2022.
According to Timbro's calculations, such a reduction could increase Sweden's emissions by up to 300,000 tonnes, approximately half a percent of the total annual emissions.
The think tank also points out that despite rising fuel prices over time, it has become cheaper to drive a car.
The moderates justify it by saying that it is an investment in the countryside.
- We already have high taxes on diesel and petrol for a long time now, and it is not the case that we remove the taxes, we remove the overtaxation that this government introduced as a kind of extra penalty for this, says party leader Ulf Kristersson in SVT Forum.
Effective according to Timbro
Matilda Ekeblad, chairman of the moderate youth party, Muf, believes that one must be able to "acknowledge the conflict of goals" between wanting to stop emissions and at the same time lower taxes.
Kristersson says he has no problem talking about a goal conflict.
However, the M-leader focuses on what he calls a conversion policy, which includes fossil-free electricity through more nuclear power, expanded charging infrastructure, the promotion of Swedish innovations and international collaborations.
- If we are to get everyone involved in the changeover, we must have respect for parts of Sweden, where two cars are absolutely necessary.
Benjamin Dousa, CEO of Timbro and former Muf chairman, says in SVT Forum during the last day of the working meeting:
- The petrol tax is a tax that we so clearly know leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions.
Do I want to see even higher taxes on petrol and diesel?
No, I do not think that is really necessary, because we already have the world's highest taxes on it.
But it is an effective way to actually reduce emissions.
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"It must be possible to keep them apart but at the same time acknowledge the goal conflict. I think we should be honest that a reduction in the fuel tax will not be great for the environment," said the MUF chairman.
Photo: Rebecka Haglund / SVT