GOVERNMENT EYES 2022 ELECTION IN BUDGET

Sweden's minority government promised a 74 billion crown (US$8.6 billion) boost for the economy in its 2022 budget, outlined by the finance minister on Sunday, hoping to woo voters and reverse a deficit in opinion polls ahead of next year's general election.

With many of the coalition's pandemic support measures being phased out, the budget is focused on shifting the economy to a longer-term growth path, with extra money for welfare, fighting climate change and boosting jobs.

“We are going to use the strength of the Swedish economy to build a society that is stronger and more sustainable than before the pandemic,” Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson, pictured, said.

The full budget will be published on Monday.

Sweden has bounced back from the pandemic quicker than most countries in Europe. But challenges remain, including dealing with a surge in gang violence and reversing an increase in social and economic inequality.