Moderates' free preschool proposal criticized by own party members

The Moderate Party's national proposal for tuition-free preschool and after-school care has drawn criticism, even from within its own ranks. While Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson touted the plan as a "strong reform for children to have good opportunities," costing an estimated ten billion kronor, the party's local chapter in Haparanda has a different experience.

In Haparanda, free preschool and after-school care were in place from 2007 to 2019. A coalition including the Moderates, Center Party, Christian Democrats, and the Healthcare Party decided to abolish it. Currently, Haparanda uses a system where fees are calculated based on a household's gross income, with a monthly deduction and a percentage-based fee for preschool services.

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It was not right that high-income earners should have free childcare. Instead, we have made other priorities in our budget and established a model that ensures the economically weakest groups pay very little or no fee, for example, single parents.

Sofia Söderholm, group leader for the Moderates in Haparanda, stated, "It is not right that high-income earners should have free childcare. Instead, we have made other priorities in our budget and established a model that ensures the economically weakest groups pay very little or no fee, for example, single parents." This local stance contrasts sharply with the national party's new initiative.

Social Democrats in Haparanda, who were involved in implementing the free system previously, now wish to reintroduce it. Local leader Nina Waara expressed surprise at the national Moderate proposal, noting that the local Moderates had been clearly against it. She commented, "It feels more like left-wing politics if one is to divide it into blocks."

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It feels more like left-wing politics if one is to divide it into blocks.