Audit finds 387 Swedish politicians facing debt collection
A nationwide audit found 387 elected Swedish politicians with debts registered for collection, including at least 36 ordinary members of municipal executive boards.
Kalla fakta checked 21,854 representatives elected to municipalities, regions and parliament against Kronofogden’s records in week 43. Four people with protected personal details were excluded.
The review counted active debts at that point, rather than historical payment remarks that can remain after a debt has been paid. Forty-one representatives owed more than SEK 1 million.
Centre politician Petri Salonen in Haninge, whose SEK 2.7 million debt features in the report, says he disclosed his situation before the election and has sought professional help. Part of his salary is being collected to repay it.
A local Moderate politician calls his debt a security risk. Salonen disputes that assessment and distinguishes his private finances from the municipality’s. The audit establishes debt balances at a particular time; it does not establish corruption or misuse of public money.
DailySweden
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