Swedish government announces three billion kronor budget for healthcare amid opposition criticism

On Friday, the government announced a budget allocation of three billion Swedish kronor for healthcare in 2025. This includes two billion in targeted support for regions heavily impacted by inflation and an additional billion to reduce waiting times in care facilities. The opposition has responded critically to this announcement.

Social Democratic Party’s spokesperson for financial policy, Mikael Damberg, labeled the government’s announcement as scandalous, remarking that healthcare in Sweden will receive less funding next year compared to this year. He highlighted that despite the expectation of improved economic conditions for regions due to declining inflation, the budget does not sufficiently address the financial strain that healthcare is under.

Anders W Johansson from the Center Party also criticized the government’s stance, describing the announcement as an insult to healthcare, particularly for smaller regions. He urged the government to acknowledge the current crisis in the healthcare sector, countering Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s claims that the system is not in crisis.

The Left Party joined in the criticism, stating it is outrageous for the Christian Democrats to call for increased governmental responsibility while failing to act when needed. Ida Gabrielsson from the Left Party described the current state of healthcare as “anorexic” due to inadequate funding. She expressed skepticism about the government’s proposal for a national healthcare brokerage, questioning its feasibility given the shortage of nurses available to provide care.