Tobias Billström announced his resignation to everyone's surprise on Wednesday. He is leaving politics entirely next week when the Riksdag opens again.
One should leave when it's most fun. When the government took office, we set three goals for foreign and security policy. Sweden would join NATO. We would arrange a successful EU presidency. Support for Ukraine would increase. And the first two goals have been achieved.
Sweden has probably taken the lead in supporting and gathering support for Ukraine. And I'm proud of the impact.
The reorientation of security policy and NATO membership on March 7 this year is his proudest moment.
It wouldn't have been possible without the hard work put in by the government and officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other parts of the Government Offices. So, I'm most proud of that.
Allegation of conflict
There have been reports in the media of a conflict between Prime Minister Kristersson and the Foreign Minister. Among other things, allegedly because Kristersson has interfered too much in Billström's areas of responsibility, such as during the NATO process and in connection with the release of Johan Floderus.
Why are these reports emerging?
No idea. I have no idea and I have no explanation. And I don't want to speculate, says Billström.
In addition, it has been reported that Kristersson offered Billström the job as EU Commissioner.
I've always said that I'm not available for such an assignment. And already when the first speculations came in January this year, I was very clear. I'm not available as a Commissioner.
You're not available, but did you get Kristersson's question?
All questions about the process should be directed to the Prime Minister. I can only answer for myself.
Denies: Not true
Billström describes the relationship between them as good and that it has remained good over many years. There are no special contradictions, he continues.
He also denies reports that his decision to leave the government after two years has to do with the election of a new cabinet secretary. He has not submitted any such name that has been rejected.
These claims are not true, says Billström.
What he will do now is unclear.
I'll go out and see what's offered outside the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' walls and what opportunities there are to utilize my knowledge and experience. I'm really looking forward to that.
