Gustaf Forsberg is process manager for basic payment services at the Västerbotten County Administrative Board.
He believes that society is not equipped for a crisis in today's situation.
- The payment system is highly digitized and has its shortcomings regarding robustness.
It is based on having electricity supply and broadband connection.
The electricity may disappear and then we may have periods when the paid services go down.
Young vulnerable group in crisis
Young people are a particularly vulnerable group who rely almost exclusively on digital solutions.
Several young people that SVT spoke to do not even remember the last time they saw physical money.
- Young people are less prepared, says Gustaf Forsberg.
Sweden is the world's most digitized country when it comes to payment services and there are no signs of a decline or increased interest in cash.
- You could see a short increase when the Ukraine war started.
Back then, cash withdrawals were larger, but it slowed down quite quickly, says Gustaf Forsberg.
The possibility of cash payment is being investigated
The government is currently investigating whether it is possible to legislate that trade in essential goods must always be handled with cash.
- It is the right way to go and something that our Scandinavian neighbors already have, says Gustaf Forsberg.