Politics needs hope, says the Green Party's Daniel Helldén in Almedalen – and points out that another world is possible.
We must make a change. But it will make our lives better, he says in his speech.
Daniel Helldén makes his debut in a sunny and hot Almedalen in front of an audience of around 900 people.
In his speech, he highlights the value of Swedish nature – and points out that it is an important part of the climate transition.
As a child, I experienced nature as enchanting and magical. As an adult, I know what incredible strength lies within it. For in Sweden's fantastic nature lies the potential to handle the climate challenge, says Helldén.
He talks about the climate transition as something positive, even though the change can seem daunting.
There are those who say that a transition would require far too great sacrifices. Nothing could be more wrong. Change is necessary, but also possible.
Four-day week
Helldén accuses the government of missing the opportunity.
What makes me furious is that we have all the knowledge and yet are forced to watch as the government increases emissions in the midst of a burning climate crisis.
Daniel Helldén also links the four-day week to the climate transition and building a sustainable society in his speech.
Just as we shouldn't burn out the planet, we shouldn't burn out each other, he says.
Critics have warned of a lack of personnel and that Sweden could lose growth and tax revenue if the four-day week becomes a reality. Helldén emphasizes in an interview with TT that part of the labour shortage is due to people burning out and leaving their jobs.
We are convinced that this will mean that we can manage the workforce needed. We will get a sustainable working life that makes it possible for people to live more comfortably with fewer sick leaves.
State forestry loan
In order for us to maintain a good quality of life in the future, we must realize that our resources are not infinite, says Helldén in his speech.
Earlier in the day, the Green Party presented a proposal for a favourable, state forestry loan to forest owners to avoid clear-cutting.
It is the politicians' responsibility to ensure that forest owners can make a profit from forestry without exploiting it, says Helldén.
The party estimates that around ten per cent of forest owners can take advantage of the offer, which does not entail "any significant costs" for the state.
The individual forest owner can apply for the loan, where they commit to establishing a "clear-cut-free forestry plan". The idea is that the forest owner will harvest timber on average every fifteenth year.
The Forestry Agency makes an assessment of the forest, and the net value can then be borrowed by the forest owner from the agency and the National Debt Office.
The state subsidizes the interest rate with 30 per cent, similar to student loans.
The Green Party also wants the Forestry Agency, together with the Environmental Protection Agency, to be tasked with developing proposals for new business models in forestry where climate and environmental benefits become an integrated part.
Source: The Green Party
