State in the government after the resignation: 'It's absolutely sick'

Policy
Anger in the government after Billström's departure: "Breakdown"

Fredrik Björkman

Published 19.33

Tobias Billström's resignation as foreign minister has stolen the spotlight from the important presentation of the state budget.

The Prime Minister's handling of the Billström affair arouses anger within the government.

- It is a media failure, says a source in the government circle.

Quick version

• Tobias Billström's unexpected resignation as foreign minister has created strong reactions and overshadowed the important presentation of the state budget, according to sources in the government circle.
• The departure has raised questions about the prime minister's handling of the situation, which is described as a media failure.
• The planned plays on the state budget, including tax cuts and infrastructure investments, have received less attention due to the turmoil surrounding Billström's departure.

Tobias Billström's resignation has shaken Swedish politics.

Aftonbladet has previously been able to report that a conflict between the outgoing foreing minister and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) is said to be behind the defection.

It is something that has been consistently denied by both Billström and Kristersson.

"Total shock"

The resignation came unexpectedly for the other government parties, according to several sources in the government circle.

- It was total shock, says a source.

- We were completely unprepared. It had not been communicated in time, says another source in the government circle.

Tobias Billström. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB

Important events are overshadowed

Right now, the government and the cooperation party Sweden Democrats are in one of the most important periods of the political calendar year: the presentation of the state budget.

The state budget is the fruit of many, long and difficult negotiations between the Tidö parties.

The budget largely governs the government's policy, and when it is ready, all parties make a big deal out of coming out with details about the parts they like to brag about.

It is, in short, an opportunity for the collaborating parties to get a good moment in the spotlight.

But Tobias Billström's message, which he shared on social media, has overshadowed everything, says a source in one of the governing parties.

- There is irritation that it has completely ruined the planning for our exposure in the media.

The government gathered at Harpsund in August. Photo: Jerker Ivarsson

"It's absolutely crazy"

Among other things, the government has presented several tax cuts, major investments in infrastructure and a dental care reform.

But the news has instead been topped by Billström's defection.

- It is a media failure. The question hangs in the air for a week. It is absolutely insane, says a source from the governing parties.

The handling by the prime minister is questioned by several people with good insight into the government's work that Aftonbladet spoke to.

- The Cabinet Committee has lost control over this. It has come a long way.

Aftonbladet is looking for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for an interview.