S is believed to be cheating about the 35 hour work week

Published 10 August 2024 at 11.12

Domestic. The Social Democrats' proposal to introduce a 35-hour working week has met with skepticism, both from political experts and other parties. Researchers point out that the proposal looks like a hoax that is never intended to be implemented.

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Statistical scientist Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson interprets the proposal as a strategic move to create a left-right conflict before the 2026 election.

– Now S and V are on the ground with law and order, gang crime and defense, he tells SvD and continues:

– It can be risk-free to propose something that will never come to pass, when you negotiate with other parties about government power, says Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson.

The moderates have quickly dismissed the proposal and instead emphasize the need for increased work effort to strengthen the economy.

There are also internal contradictions within the Social Democrats.

Stig-Björn Ljunggren points out that the proposal may violate the Swedish model where working conditions are traditionally negotiated between the labor market parties without government intervention.

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In addition, Sweden's Municipalities and Regions (SKR) and Swedish Enterprise are critical, citing high costs.

Economists such as John Hassler warn that the reform could cost “hundreds of billions of kroner” annually.

At the same time, it is uncertain whether the proposal will be an election winner or whether the reduction in working hours will be done in other ways.