Ibrahim Baylan

In light of the severe financial impact of COVID-19 on many sole traders, the Government today decided on turnover-based support for sole traders. The support enters into force on 9 November and builds on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

On September 24 the Government decided to extend until the end of the year the government credit guarantee programme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises that have experienced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme was launched in the spring as part of the Government’s measures to support the business sector during the ongoing pandemic and builds on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party. As a result of this decision, the option for businesses to take part in the credit guarantee programme applies to loans granted until 31 December 2020.

Research and innovation are crucial to Sweden’s competitiveness and to rebooting the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the autumn budget, the Government is therefore proposing increased funding to Vinnova, RISE and Business Sweden for measures that help reboot Sweden. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

Global warming continues regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change will remain the defining issue of our generation. The Government is therefore proposing investments of SEK 9.7 billion in green recovery initiatives in the Budget Bill for 2021. The Government’s proposals are based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

In light of the severe financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many sole traders, the Government is now proposing SEK 3.5 billion to support these companies in 2020. The Budget Bill for 2021 proposes that an additional SEK 1.5 billion be set aside for 2021. It is proposed that the Government’s proposals, which build on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party, enter into force as soon as possible.

On 30 June, SAS presented a plan for the recapitalisation of the company and a plan to accelerate its climate action, including the halving of emissions by 2030. The Government has the Riksdag’s mandate to participate in the recapitalisation on behalf of the Swedish State during 2020 to an amount not exceeding SEK 5 billion. The Government supports the plan that has now been put forward and the measures necessary for its realisation.

The Government has adopted a national strategy for a circular economy that sets out the direction and ambition for a long-term and sustainable transition of Swedish society. This is an important step towards Sweden becoming the world’s first fossil-free welfare nation.

The Government adopted this ownership policy for state-owned enterprises on 27 February 2020. This policy replaces the previous ownership policy adopted on 22 December 2016. The Government’s principles for corporate governance, remuneration and other terms of employment for senior officers of state-owned enterprises and external reporting in state-owned enterprises form part of the State Ownership Policy.

Swedes are largely following the government agencies’ advice and recommendations. This has been shown through surveys and data concerning movement patterns. Now travel within Sweden is permitted again – but if the guidelines are not followed, the Government is prepared to take measures.

The Government proposes that the Riksdag authorise the Government to take part on behalf of the State in a recapitalisation of SAS AB (SAS) with an amount totalling SEK 5 billion at most. SAS is important to meeting society’s fundamental needs in terms of accessibility by air travel in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. This authorisation means that the Swedish State will be given a mandate to take the measures necessary to enable the State’s participation in a recapitalisation of SAS. If the Swedish State is to take part in a recapitalisation, the Government will work to ensure that SAS sets new ambitious goals to reduce emissions. Participation of the Swedish State also requires approval by the European Commission.