Between 2010 and 2012, Slite harbor on eastern Gotland was used to ship out pipes during the construction of the first gas pipeline Nord Stream 1. At that time, Gotland's politicians had overwhelmingly agreed to the port lease.
- It was a good financial deal for the region.
We never took a stand for any gas pipeline, says Tommy Gardell.
Had to say no
And Region Gotland wanted to do the same thing again when Nord Stream 2 was built.
But then the situation had changed and they had to bow to the government's pressure because it was considered to affect Sweden's defense interests negatively.
Region Gotland said no to the port lease and Tommy Gardell, who was then chairman of the technical committee and the most responsible politician for the ports, was hounded by the media.
Hear him tell more about the gas line in the clip above.