Norrland loses and Stockholm wins - fewer and fewer seats in the Riksdag for the northern counties

It is Sveriges Radio's Ekoredaktion that reports on the big change.

While the five northern counties of Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland, Västernorrland and Gävleborg have lost twelve seats in the Riksdag in the last few decades, the Stockholm region has gained an equal number.

New Riksdag – with fewer northerners

When the newly elected Riksdag gathers before the opening of the Riksdag, the five northern counties are represented by 41 Riksdag members, while Stockholm has 43.

This development weakens Norrland, says Peder Björk (S), newly elected Social Democratic Member of Parliament from Sundsvall.

- Yes, to the highest degree, he says, it is important that the Norrland issues can be brought forward.

More Nordic cooperation is required

So what is behind this change?

The answer is simple;

population development.

Norrland has lost inhabitants, Stockholm has increased its population.

Now politicians from Norrlandslän need to cooperate even more in order to have a better impact on issues related to the east coast line or future green industrial establishments, says Peder Björk.

Hear his reasoning in the video