The government prioritizes Kiruna's social transformation over the interests of the reindeer industry

The city move in Kiruna affects 6,000 people who have to move and there is a rush to get new buildable land. It has caused a battle between parts of politics in Kiruna and LKAB over who will get to buy the land and control the process.

But also the reindeer industry and above all the Gabna Sami village have interests in the whole thing. Two heavy referral bodies sided with the Sami village.

The County Administrative Board and the National Property Agency wanted to remove two particularly sensitive areas that are directly adjacent to a transport route and are considered to be an important area for grazing.

It is about half of sub-area 3 which would accommodate 100-120 detached houses and the whole of sub-area 4 which would accommodate 50-70 villas.

The government's justification

The government prioritized the latter. This is how Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren (KD) justifies the decision.

"The government considers that the land acquisition is necessary in order for Kiruna's social transformation to continue. The government has made a collective assessment and states that the public interest weighs more heavily, while at the same time the reindeer herding right remains even after the change of ownership."

The decision is criticized, among others, by the Sami list party in Kiruna's municipal council.

- But it is not surprising when we see other decisions that this government has made, says member Åsa Larsson Blind.