The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, SALAR, estimates that SEK 25–30 billion in government grants to municipalities and regions are needed to cover the deficit of billions. And it is urgent. Now parts of the opposition are also demanding answers from the government.
"When municipalities and regions get holes in their wallets, it's not just about statistics and figures. Without it, it means that cutbacks await in preschool, school, elderly care and healthcare, says Lena Hallengren, the Social Democrats' group leader in the Riksdag, and adds:
"If municipalities and regions are not notified in the near future, it will be very difficult to plan. Then you have to get to grips with your financial situation and perhaps give notice. Or tax increases await, which is also not the dream of anyone, she says.
"Teachers are already being given notice"
Martin Ådahl, economic policy spokesman for the Center Party, says that the situation is "very worrying".
"The most acute, which can have long-term consequences, is that many qualified teachers unfortunately risk being dismissed and that schools are forced to close. School closures usually take until the next budget, but teachers are already being given notice, especially qualified teachers, unfortunately, because they are the most expensive, he says.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) says at a press conference in Brussels that she understands that many people are feeling the effects of high inflation, and that the situation is tough, but that she does not want to give any information about government subsidies at present.
"We will come back in the autumn budget with an announcement about next year. But I know, and see, that many are struggling, especially many regions," she says.
Need to talk together
She goes on to say that the government parties and the Sweden Democrats will negotiate the budget after the summer and that it is not until after that that a decision can come.
"Then we will know more about the economic situation and the scope in the budget. Some people set their budgets already this summer, as municipalities and regions often do. They have slightly different time horizons. And I understand that they want answers, but as is customary, we will announce this in the autumn budget.