Helldén: Both V and C are needed in government – for the climate's sake

Daniel Helldén, spokesperson for the Green Party (MP), believes that both the Centre Party (C) and the Left Party (V) are necessary components of a future majority government to effectively advance climate policy in Sweden. He argues that such a coalition would provide the necessary political force to implement ambitious environmental measures.

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The Left Party has a journey to make, but I perceive them as governable.

Helldén is pushing for the swift introduction of a substantial bonus for individuals purchasing electric vehicles, aiming to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-powered cars. He also champions the implementation of a nationwide public transport card, priced at 499 SEK per month, which he ideally wants available by the end of the year when current temporary price reductions expire. These measures are part of the MP's strategy to tackle Sweden's significant emissions from the transport sector.

While the MP stands out among opposition parties for proposing an increase in fuel taxes, a move that contrasts with the current government's tax reductions, Helldén acknowledges the political sensitivity. He stated that while he cannot pinpoint an exact timeline for raising gasoline taxes, the work to implement such changes needs to begin promptly. He highlighted the current situation where charging an electric car can be more expensive than refueling a gasoline car as a reason for urgent action.

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We want to get a million electric cars on the roads in four years, and stop more fossil fuel cars.

When asked about non-negotiable points in future negotiations, Helldén emphasized the critical need to reduce transport emissions and expand renewable energy infrastructure, such as initiating the construction of offshore wind power cables. He also suggested that higher gasoline and diesel prices should be compensated through a targeted transport subsidy, though not universally applied.

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When it happens, I cannot say. But we need to start working to adjust it as soon as possible, because now we have reached a point where it is suddenly more expensive to charge an electric car than to fill up a fossil fuel car.

Helldén made these remarks during a climate demonstration in Stockholm, just three weeks before the election. He expressed enthusiasm for the large turnout, seeing it as a clear signal that the climate issue must be a central focus of the upcoming electoral debate.

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We must ensure that emissions in the transport sector are reduced and the expansion of renewable energy is initiated. For example, start laying cables for offshore wind power.