The state has not lent any money to the battery giant. The funds the public sector has contributed, via various authorities, amount to 600 million kronor, via the industrial leap and other means, according to the Minister of Finance.
There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about the state's involvement and how much of taxpayers' money is at stake. So, it's supposed to be many billions here. And that's not the case, says Svantesson to TT.
On the other hand, there are a lot of state-issued loan guarantees via the Riksgälden.
Yes, but these are loans that have never been paid out.
Does she feel any concern that the giant investment, primarily in Skellefteå, might come to nothing?
Of course, I want it to go well for Northvolt and all the people who have invested time, effort, and money, as well as those who work there. Of course, I'm following this development very closely.
Do you have contact with the management?
Yes, I have contact. There are many in the government who have contact with many different companies and firms. And also with Northvolt, says Svantesson.
If the company encounters financial problems. Is the government then willing to help?
That's not currently relevant. On the other hand, of course, the people who are laid off, as we're talking about, we can support further. But this is a matter for the company to resolve.
There are critics in your own government that the state is getting too involved here in northern Norrland. What do you say about that?
But you have to evaluate each company and each project individually. Then you have to remember that it's primarily technological transformation that the state is supporting, not individual companies. And Sweden is at a very low level compared to many, many other countries when it comes to supporting companies, says Svantesson.
