What happened
The Moderates, the Liberals, and the Christian Democrats have agreed to continue governing Danderyd together during the upcoming term of office. Together, the three parties hold 28 of 51 seats in the municipal council, thereby retaining their majority. Johanna Hornberger (M) continues as chair of the municipal executive board and Fredrik Pallin (L) remains as municipal commissioner. The joint program prioritizes schools, elderly care, the business climate, and safety measures such as security guards, surveillance cameras, and lighting.
Our analysis
Danderyd's political leadership speaks proudly of building Sweden's best schools and stronger elderly care. But they are quiet about who actually does the work on the floor. A large part of the care and service in Danderyd is upheld by new Swedes who are forced to commute from afar every morning because the municipality's housing market is completely closed to ordinary wages.
Instead of affordable housing for those who clean, care, and teach, the leadership focuses on more security guards, cameras, and senior housing in the local area. It is a convenient model for the country's most affluent municipality. They want the labor force and the tax base, but pass the responsibility for housing and integration on to neighboring municipalities.
Calling yourself the best in Sweden requires more than polishing an already wealthy facade. A municipality that wants first-class welfare must also welcome the people who keep it alive.
Explained
A municipal commissioner is a politician who works with politics full-time or part-time in a municipality and has a specific area of responsibility.