Magdalena Andersson

Brussels, 27 September 2016. Check against delivery.

The Budget Bill for 2017 presented to the Riksdag today contains the Government’s proposals to continue building our society. The Bill is based on an agreement between the government parties and the Left Party.

Building our society – taking responsibility for Sweden

On 20 September 2016, the Government presented its proposed budget for 2017 to the Riksdag. The Government’s entire proposal is available in the Budget Bill, which includes the Government’s Budget Statement, the Government’s assessment of the outlook for the Swedish economy and public finances, and the frameworks this provides for fiscal policy. The budget also contains the Government’s proposals on how government expenditure is to be allocated and an estimate of expected central government revenue in the coming year. The Bill is based on an agreement between the government parties and the Left Party.

The Government wants to further strengthen Sweden’s position as a climate leader. The Budget Bill for 2017 proposes the largest investment budget in the area of climate and the environment in Sweden’s history.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was established in January this year, and Sweden became a member at its first Annual Meeting in June. Mr Löfven and Mr Jin discussed the bank's strategic focus for the future.

“I am pleased that we are now seeing unemployment pushed back, while at the same time we have essentially eradicated the major deficits we inherited. But a great deal of work remains for the Government.” This was the message from Minister for Finance Magdalena Andersson when she presented the Ministry of Finance’s latest economic forecast and the focus of the autumn budget at the Government’s discussions at Harpsund today.

On the afternoon of 12 May, Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet left Sweden following a three-day State Visit. The President was in Sweden at the invitation of HM the King. This was the first State Visit by a Chilean president to Sweden. Several of the Government ministers took part in the programme. The purpose of the visit was to broaden and deepen bilateral relations between Chile and Sweden.

The Government is today presenting its proposed direction for economic policy ahead of the Budget Bill for 2017. The Government’s priorities – jobs, schools and climate action – remain firm. In addition, proposals are presented to increase funding in the budget for 2016 to address the refugee situation. The Spring Fiscal Policy Bill and the proposals in the spring amending budget are based on an agreement between the government parties and the Left Party.

Building our society – responsibility, security and development The Government is today presenting its proposed direction for economic policy ahead of the Budget Bill for 2017. The Government’s priorities – jobs, schools and climate action – remain firm. In addition, proposals are presented to increase funding in the budget for 2016 to address the refugee situation. The Spring Fiscal Policy Bill and the proposals in the spring amending budget are based on an agreement between the government parties and the Left Party.