Damberg (S) criticizes M for borrowed money - Kristersson also wants to tighten up

Mikael Damberg (S), for his part, believes that M acted irresponsibly when, during the past mandate period, they borrowed money for new reforms, while at the same time implementing large tax cuts.

- Both M and S have a history of wanting to take responsibility for the state's finances. But I have to say that I no longer recognize the Moderates, he said.

If S takes power this autumn, Damberg promises that there will be no more borrowed money.

- The reforms that are carried out in the next mandate period need to be financed. We have tried to adapt our election promises to the reform space, he says.

Less money next term

How much money is available to spend on new reforms depends on how Sweden's economy is doing. According to the Norwegian Economic Institute, the total scope for reform for the entire next term is expected to be around SEK 94 billion.

That is less than what the government spent on reforms in the last year alone. In total, the investments in the autumn budget, the spring budget and the additional amendment budget amounted to just over SEK 100 billion. Money which, among other things, went to a temporarily reduced fuel tax, temporarily reduced prices on public transport and the upgrading of the defence.

Kristersson does not want to borrow either

Ulf Kristersson (M) believes that the last mandate period has been characterized by exceptional events such as the oil crisis, war and recession, which made it justified to borrow extra money.

- We have managed the public finances very well.

In the next mandate period, however, the Moderates will not borrow as much money, according to Kristersson. If he is allowed to continue to rule, the state's finances will be tightened.

- Now we are entering a better economic development. All permanent spending reforms next term must be funded.

But much of what you have done has been temporary. Will there be fewer loans next term?

- Yes, the better the economy is doing, the less reason there is to borrow money to support the economy. It is quite considerable. And so it will be during the next term. Unless something dramatic happens.