Welfare chair loss frustrates Sweden’s Christian Democrats

Losing Parliament’s health and social care committee chair to the Sweden Democrats has frustrated Christian Democrat MPs, as the two parties compete for influence over welfare policy.

The loss has disappointed Christian Democrat MPs, SVT reported on Friday. Its interviews with figures in both parties describe the Sweden Democrats seeking greater influence over welfare issues, including healthcare queues and staff working conditions.

Linda Lindberg of the Sweden Democrats has chaired the Social Affairs Committee since 6 October. Its remit covers healthcare, medicines and care for children, older people and people with disabilities.

The post was allocated through negotiations between the parties. According to SVT, the Moderates chose the defence committee before the Sweden Democrats selected social affairs.

Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch said her party wanted to keep taking responsibility for welfare and remained ambitious about changes to healthcare and elderly care. The committee chairmanship had been its most important parliamentary role during the previous term.

Holding the chair does not give a party sole power to decide policy. Committees prepare matters for Parliament, and their membership reflects the balance of seats in the chamber.

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