Last week, the Children and Youth Committee in Linköping decided that four comprehensive schools and eleven preschools should be closed down. The decision was made in the committee, where the incumbent government, the Social Democrats and the Moderates, has a majority.
Now the opposition wants the school closure decision to be taken up in the city council instead where the government is in miniority.
"We believe that the decision is of a principled nature, i.e. that it is of particular importance to Linköping as a city," says Cecilia Helber, opposition councillor for the Linköping list.
Up to the mayor
At today's meeting, it was decided that the municipal manager will now investigate whether, according to the Local Government Act, the matter should be taken to the municipal council or not. An unnecessary process according to the handlebars.
"The issue has already been raised several times by the opposition and officials have investigated the matter and concluded that the school closure decision was made correctly," says Kristina Edlund (S), chair of the municipal board.
Heated mood
The debate surrounding the school closures has been lined with a harsh climate of conversation and the debate has at times been heated. The closure decisions have also been appealed to the administrative court, which will investigate the legality of the process.
Hear the politicians about the situation in the clip above