What happened
The Sweden Democrats are taking action in the Riksdag to stop the tax increases on petrol and diesel expected during the autumn, according to the party's economic policy spokesperson Oscar Sjöstedt. On 1 May, the tax was reduced by 82 öre per litre for petrol and 32 öre for diesel, a cut that ends on 1 October. On 1 July, the tax was cut by an additional 2 kronor and 40 öre per litre, which expires on 1 December. Since Ulf Kristersson's caretaker government is not allowed to take new political initiatives, SD wants the Riksdag to decide on an amending budget to extend the first cut through the end of the year.
Our analysis
Oscar Sjöstedt and the Sweden Democrats are stepping forward in the Riksdag because Ulf Kristersson's caretaker government lacks a mandate to submit new proposals. On Wednesday, the petrol price was just over 17 kronor per litre and the diesel price around 22 kronor, and if the total tax cut of over 3 kronor is rolled back, it means a noticeable extra cost for everyone dependent on a car to get to work. Mainstream reporting pits climate goals against pump prices, but fails to highlight how the cost is distributed between those who must drive to early shifts in care and transport and those who can afford to buy an electric car. The next step will be taken on Tuesday, 6 October, when the Riksdag's committees meet for the first time, but extending the reduction beyond 1 December also requires approval from the EU Commission.
Explained
A caretaker government governs the country after an election until a new government has taken office, and according to convention may not make new or far-reaching political decisions.
Source: Dagens Nyheter