According to the government, the change is about investing in civil defense to strengthen total defense in the long run.
In light of everything that is happening in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and due to the increased threat level, big things are happening in Sweden right now when it comes to civil defense, says Ulf Kristersson at a press conference.
As early as last summer, it was announced that Charlotte Petri Gornitzka would be leaving prematurely as Director-General of the Swedish Agency for Emergency Management. She will instead become the Governor of Gotland.
Key Player
From November 1, Mikael Frisell will lead the agency.
The agency's role is completely central to the total defense we are now building up. MSB is and will be a key player when it comes to strengthening Sweden's security and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world, says Frisell.
The government has been clear that they were looking for someone with a military background - and now they have found one.
Major General Mikael Frisell comes most recently from a role as Chief of Staff at the Defence Materiel Administration and has previously, among other things, been the Commander of the Norrbotten Regiment.
"Background completely decisive"
According to the Minister for Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin (The Moderate Party), the new MSB will function as a hub for coordinating actors at the national level and be the government's primary tool for preparing society for crisis, heightened alert, and war.
A clearer collaboration is completely central to being able to meet the threats and security challenges we face, says Bohlin.
