A living countryside

- Increase regional self-determination.

Upgrading the vision of rural areas

Two hundred years ago, 90 per cent of Sweden's population lived in rural areas. Urbanisation took off 150 years ago and today almost 90% of the population lives in urban areas.

Cities rely on economies of scale because many people live in a small area. Rural areas have other natural competitive advantages, such as low land costs, space, quality of life and security, but also disadvantages such as long distances. It is time we recognised the unique values of rural areas and upgraded the perception of their people.

Closing small schools in the countryside, or moving small, well-functioning homes for the elderly into the city, are political decisions that often stem from a lack of understanding of rural conditions. There is an idea that everything will be better and cheaper in the city, which is not at all the case if rural businesses are allowed to operate on their own terms. Greater regional autonomy is the key to well-functioning public services in rural areas.

Reduce micromanagement

Government bureaucrats and civil servants are particularly heavy-handed when it comes to rural affairs. New bills and costly regulations on housing and construction, wood burning and small-scale animal husbandry are constantly being proposed. This is often blamed on the EU, or on the climate. A tendency to over-interpret EU regulations sets Sweden apart from other comparable countries. What is needed here is more common sense and an end to government activism. The more the rural population is given control over its own affairs, the more it can flourish on its own. The municipal veto is important to stop, for example, wind power projects and environmentally destructive industries that harm local people and their living environment.

The car is needed

In rural areas, almost everyone relies on their own car. In fairness, you cannot penalise people for this by raising fuel prices - or imposing unreasonable requirements for zero carbon emissions. Petrol and diesel cars must be allowed to exist as long as the alternatives are not good enough for rural needs. Reducing petrol/diesel tax would benefit all types of rural businesses and lower food prices overall.

Building and living in rural areas, individual drains and forced connections

The Swedish authorities' pursuit of private sewers is socially unjust and environmentally illogical in comparison with municipal sewers, where society is instead faced with real environmental problems. Municipal sewerage networks are old and literally leaking like a sieve. Sewage leaks in, contaminates drinking water and enters the groundwater. Most of the sewerage networks were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and the maintenance debt for repairs at the current rate of repair is estimated at 80-100 years. In addition, in the event of overloading, large quantities of completely untreated wastewater (so-called overflow) are discharged directly into rivers, seas and lakes.

There are around 700 000 properties in the countryside that are not connected to municipal water and wastewater services. Many of them are forcibly connected every year through the establishment of so-called service areas. Property owners have no choice but to pay the high cost - without any corresponding environmental benefit. Older property owners who have difficulty getting a loan may then be forced to sell their house.

In addition to forced connections, rural property owners often suffer from overzealous environmental enforcement. Households with individual drains can be forced to take expensive measures - even when no emissions or deficiencies have been detected. We believe that the burden of proof that a sewer causes nuisance should lie with the municipality, not with the individual property owner. Previous court cases/precedents show that the municipality may not require a specific technical solution or time limit BDT drains without justification. According to Chapter 2, Section 7 of the Environmental Code, the authorities' requirements must be reasonable in terms of the balance between cost and benefit. In contrast to large sewage plants, small plants rarely discharge directly to surface water, but to land. Government-funded studies show that the natural filtration of the soil provides effective environmental protection, but that municipal environmental inspections rarely take this into account.

Ambition Sverige believes that the hunt for individual sewers must stop. Legislation should take into account nature's own purification processes in the soil (soil retention). A sewer that does not show signs of damage should not have to be replaced. Individual water and sewerage systems should be seen as a robust, circular and often highly efficient solution that should be preserved and encouraged in rural areas. In addition, they are of paramount importance for national defence; water is our most important food.

Simplify for new and extended buildings outside the zoning area

Swedish building permit regulations have become increasingly complex and ambiguous. Many changes and exceptions have been made to the existing regulations over the years, making them difficult to understand. Outside a zoning area, it is particularly difficult to find a logic in the expensive and often lengthy process that precedes a new building or extension.

Increasing legal certainty for building permits

The way building regulations are applied can differ greatly between municipalities, both for political reasons and because they are interpreted differently. We emphasise that local realities should always be taken into account. But we also want to reduce the risk of abuse of power, arbitrariness and over-implementation by local officials. Arbitrariness can be prevented through better traceability in the decision-making chain, double-checking and external controls. We propose that an external second opinion should always be possible, whereby applicants receive a quick, written second opinion from, for example, a neighbouring municipality, before a formal appeal is made. Such a system can reduce the risk of biased decisions. It is a quick and inexpensive way to increase citizens” legal certainty in building permit cases.

Local influence on beach protection

Ambition Sverige wants to see continued relaxation of shoreline protection and greater local influence in decisions on building near the shore. Being able to build near the shore can, among other things, provide incentives for increased settlement in sparsely populated municipalities.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will apply in the EU from 2024 and must be implemented in Sweden by 29 May 2026. If Sweden, as usual, over-implements the new rules, there is a risk of extensive renovation requirements for old houses. This will hit rural areas hardest. Together with the European Commission's regulations on ”ecodesign requirements for room heaters/solid fuel boilers”, the new requirements could become a financial burden for people in rural areas. We say no to ever-increasing requirements for ”climate adaptations” for homes. The state should not decide when and how a property owner must renovate, or which wood boiler may be installed.

Ambition Sverige wants to see simple, clear rules that give more freedom to property owners. In rural areas, there is rarely any need to control the details of outbuildings or extensions. As the building permit offices and the land registry are mainly financed with tax money, we believe that citizens should have full transparency in their decision-making processes and fee systems.

Hunting is an important part of Swedish culture

Hunting and hunters are important in many respects. They manage wildlife, keep control of reasonable game populations and search for road-killed animals. Hunting is also an important carrier of culture and knowledge between generations. As one of the most common leisure activities in rural areas, it produces good marksmen and contributes to local knowledge, which is even more important in terms of preparedness.

In northern Sweden, hunting is largely reserved for the Sami who are members of Sami villages. The local population is often excluded from all forms of hunting in the mountains. As this is undemocratic, local management of hunting on all state land should be introduced instead.

Wolf

The political decisions that have allowed the wolf population to increase run counter to the objectives of the food strategy and the goals of more natural pastures. Farmers, hunters and rural residents have had their livelihoods curtailed. Extending Section 28 of the Hunting Act would give greater powers to protect our domestic animals. The wolf population must be radically reduced, as it is a serious threat to small-scale livestock farming and valuable natural pastures.

Unequal conditions in Norrland

The Sami Parliament is a state authority based on ethnicity. It unilaterally favours the Sami who own reindeer and gives them a special status - while other peoples, cultures and industries are left behind. The background to this is ill-considered political decisions at national level, which have chosen to focus unilaterally on Sami culture and rights. These decisions have undermined small-scale reindeer husbandry, mountain farming and other sustainable industries practised by the original peoples of northern Sweden.

The large-scale reindeer husbandry practised by the Sami communities in Sweden bears little resemblance to traditional reindeer husbandry. Today, the reindeer herding industry's pastures take up a significant part of Sweden's total area. This is why there is strong conflict between Sami reindeer owners and other communities along the mountain chain. This is not acceptable in a democratic country, which is why we believe that the Sami Parliament should be abolished.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

To increase regional self-determination.
To introduce local management of state land.
Reducing petrol and diesel taxes.
Abolish all mandatory laws on expensive climate change adaptation in housing and construction.
Introducing a ban on forcing property owners with functioning individual sewerage solutions to connect to municipal networks - unless there are urgent health or environmental reasons.
Creating a level economic playing field for municipalities to provide education, health and elderly care in rural areas. Small schools and elderly care centres should not have to meet the same detailed conditions as large entities.
Dismantling the Sami Parliament. The same rights and obligations should apply regardless of ethnicity.
To extend section 28 of the Hunting Ordinance, i.e. to authorise and simplify wolf hunting. This is to enable pastoral farming and other pasture-based animal husbandry.
Simplifying the authorisation processes for smaller hospitality and tourism businesses such as cafés, bed and breakfasts and farm shops.
Replacing licensing requirements for activities with animals, such as horse riding and dog boarding, with a notification procedure.

Our plan for Sweden

Ambition Sverige is based on five
universal principles that make up our
compass for freedom and governance.

Ambition Sweden's policies are always tested against these principles.

Power is under the law
(Magna Carta)

Politicians and civil servants should be held personally accountable for wrong decisions, abuse of power or negligence.

Protection against arbitrariness
(Habeas Corpus)

No person should be detained without a legal basis. The justice system should be fair, impartial and protect the people, not be used as a political tool.

The good of the people and the nation first
(Virtue)

Decisions should be made for the long-term good of the country, not for power plays or international pressure.

Self-determination and non-interference
(International law)

Sweden will respect the sovereignty of other states and demand respect for our own. No foreign power should control our politics, our security or our territory.

Freedom, security and dignity
(Human rights)

Every human being has the right to life, liberty, privacy and security.

Popular rule instead of supranationalism - leave the EU

Swedish citizens should not be governed by supranational agendas.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Moving away from the 2030 Agenda as the guiding framework, as well as the UN Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact; reclaiming national targets and budget governance.
Saying no to the WHO Pandemic Convention and binding IHR changes; leaving the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network.
Stopping the ekrona and rejecting digital euro for the public; constitutional protection of cash and diversity in payments.
Say no to EUDI as a condition for civic participation; reject SOU 2023:61 and ban centralised logging of everyday use.
Rejecting SOU 2023:22 and all general access to electronic communications; defending strong encryption and privacy.
Reduce state media subsidies that favour agenda-driven giants; safeguard freedom of expression and pluralism.
Pulling the handbrake on DSA, EU Digital Travel Identity and WHO GDHC/GDHCN; no permanent digital access systems in Sweden.

An independent defence and security policy

Security through détente, diplomacy and military defence.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Sweden's security is safeguarded through non-alignment, diplomacy and détente.
Sweden is building a strong defence force.
Military aid to Ukraine is cancelled because it increases the threat to Sweden.
The DCA is cancelled immediately - Sweden will not have foreign troops on its territory.
Licensed gun owners should be allowed to use their weapons without government interference.
Sweden is taking control of the monopoly on violence in all "vulnerable areas".

Stop all immigration for 10 years

Taking back control to tackle social unrest and crime.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Impose a ten-year freeze on all new immigration. Deportation of persons without legal right to reside in the country, family immigration is stopped during the period.
Faster deportations and sentences to be served in the home country by agreement. Deportation as a general rule after sentencing.
Sweden will regain control at the border. We will expand detention centres, acquire our own transport resources and introduce fast-track identity checks.
Stopping the shadow society. Impose sanctions on illegal employers/landlords, carry out exit checks and require a unified ID flow.
The fact that temporary residence permits are subject to regular review where return to the country of origin, serious criminality or long-term dependency on benefits breaks the right to stay.
Introducing a qualifying period of at least five years before gaining full access to welfare and benefits.
Improving background checks through document research, biometrics, security interviews and information sharing.
Placing responsibility for language and integration on the individual. Abolition of home language teaching and SFI, interpreter support for a maximum of one year.
Conducting a national census to ensure that there is one personal/coordination number per person. Nullity in case of fraudulent citizenship.
Taxpayers' money should not go to organisations that make deportations more difficult.
Speaking plainly in the countries of origin - Sweden is not a welfare destination.
That honour crimes, forced marriages and parallel systems of norms are met with immediate protection for children and women. Tougher penalties and deportation of perpetrators.
Tackling clan crime through restraining orders, witness protection and deportation.

Weighing costs against benefits in climate policy - prioritising the environment

A fixation on carbon dioxide hampers environmental efforts.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

That the installation of a fifth treatment stage becomes a reality in the municipal wastewater treatment plants in the 30 largest municipalities, where the total annual emissions of organic pollutants including heavy metals are also measured, identified and reported.
That supplementary treatment is introduced in all PFAS-contaminated waterworks in Sweden to meet future limit values for PFAS.
Launching a programme to reduce emissions to air and water of so-called microplastics, including nanoparticles, from traffic, roads, industries, wastewater treatment plants, etc.
A monitoring programme is started for Sweden's 30 largest lakes, where, in addition to organic pollutants and heavy metals, the amount and number of microplastic particles are measured and reported.
In the wake of the Think Pink scandal, in which waste was allowed to spread unchecked in some 15 municipalities, to set up a monitoring project on waste management in general. The aim is to examine whether the control of waste is working satisfactorily.
That ongoing projects within Avfall Sverige dealing with emissions of PFAS from waste incineration, among other things, be given extra resources so that results can be obtained more quickly.
Initiate continuous random testing of organic pollutants in suspected imported consumer products, especially in products from China and Asia. A mandate should be given to the Swedish Chemicals Agency with the aim of stopping the import of the most toxic products - or influencing suppliers to supply non-toxic products.
That the Swedish Chemicals Agency be given the task of proposing a programme of measures to reduce emissions, leaks and spills of PFAS from various products.
That the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency initiate a project to report on the state of the environment in Sweden, as a guide for decision-makers/politicians.
That a monitoring project under the Environmental Code be started, where emissions of particles and other substances from rotor blades in onshore and offshore wind power are investigated and reported. Emissions from various types of malfunctions/breakdowns should also be reported.
Launch a project to provide an overview of the environmental impact and demand for rare earths in the manufacture, use and scrapping of electric vehicles, solar energy systems and wind turbines, using life cycle analyses (LCA).
addressing the most serious water and air pollutants, such as persistent and accumulative pollutants.
That the work of public authorities is based on facts - not on activism based on unrealistic projections of climate emissions.
Sweden leaving the Paris Agreement (from 2015).
Sweden to leave coalitions aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, such as the UN Net Zero Coalition, the Carbon Neutrality Coalition (CNC), the EU Fit for 55 and the World Economic Forum's First Movers Coalition.
That Sweden abolishes the climate policy framework consisting of the Climate Act and the Climate Policy Council and renegotiates the Climate Goals.
That Sweden establishes a non-political climate science council that follows scientific developments in order to be able to give good advice to decision-makers. Those who are part of this council should be professors in the basic sciences on which the climate issue rests.
That all public commitment to the "green transition" is suspended. Innovation and energy efficiency must take place in a free market without government interference.
The removal of subsidies and other special treatment for companies in the transition industry. For example, companies that want to engage in battery manufacturing, hydrogen production or underground storage of carbon dioxide can do so with their own resources and not with the public's pension funds or taxes.
That planned bans on the sale of petrol and diesel cars are removed. The same conditions will apply to vehicles with internal combustion engines as to electric cars and hybrids.

Restore law and order

Zero tolerance towards criminal gangs and clans.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

That the escalating violence and insecurity end up being the focus of the policy pursued.
That the victim's well-being should be prioritized - not the perpetrator's.
That protection and support for victims of crime increases.
That legislation and the scale of punishment are adapted to meet serious crime.
That system-threatening crime is noticed and counteracted.
That Sweden's inhabitants are protected against honour violence and honour oppression.
That legislative work is speeded up. The preparation requirement must be made more efficient and the independence of the Council on Legislation strengthened.
The introduction of on-call courts for cases where the evidence is obvious and indisputable.
The introduction of a constitutional court that can review laws that are interpreted by courts with politically controlled guidelines.
To reintroduce strict civil servant responsibility.
That EU directives are not automatically converted into Swedish law.
That Sweden's own legislation should take precedence over UN conventions, and that certain ratified UN conventions should be terminated.
That all forms of penalty discounts are removed.
That a civic advisory council replaces today's party-political representation in the relevant authorities.
To introduce the right to decisive referendums on matters of a national security nature.
To limit the government's power of appointment and base appointments on meritocracy.
That non-Swedish citizens and persons with dual citizenship are deported upon conviction for a serious crime.
That non-Swedish citizens' right to Swedish rights and freedoms is limited.
To create legal support for being able to buy prison places abroad.

Minimising the risks of digitalisation and AI

Personal privacy instead of digital dictatorship.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Regarding digital IDs and central bank digital currencies:

Demand public debate and referendum before implementation of digital central bank currency and ID.
We demand that every individual is given full legal ownership and control over their own biometric data - including the right to consent, restriction, traceability and financial protection from commercial exploitation.
We call for an end to the mandatory link between ID systems and financial transactions.
Secure and preserve cash as a statutory, protected right.
Set legal limits on what digital currencies and ID systems can contain, record and control.
Build open, non-centrally controlled digital identity options.

As regards AI:

Without free access to information, there is no free thought - and without free thought, there is no democracy. Ambition Sweden therefore demands that access to information on the internet remains free, open and uncensored - because freedom of information is a prerequisite for democracy, freedom of expression and a free society. AI provided to Swedish citizens must therefore fulfil these requirements.
We call for a national AI infrastructure - Publicly funded and openly and transparently vetted AI models based on local laws, language, culture and ethics should be developed.
We demand that no AI can make decisions that affect people's lives without full transparency, legal accountability and human control - as in Danish law. It must be clear who is behind an AI decision, what data it is based on and what values have been prioritised. Automated decisions should always be appealable.
Data sovereignty - All sensitive data, especially from public authorities, schools and healthcare, must be stored and processed within Sweden's borders and by actors under democratic control (not the EU or global and private actors).
Digital literacy - Citizens and decision-makers should be educated about new technologies and AI.
Active regulation to prevent platform dependency and to promote open, interoperable options.
Ambition Sverige calls for work to identify and analyse risks linked to AI in military and civilian security systems to be initiated and for the protection of critical infrastructure from AI-driven attacks, sabotage or disinformation to be developed.
Finally, we call for developing our defence capabilities against autonomous weapons systems and digitally targeted attacks, and for strengthening international legal, ethical and technical safeguards against the use of AI against populations - by other states or by private actors.

Making Sweden rich again

Stop giving away Sweden's tax money.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

phasing out the state income tax through a gradual process over a few years.
Increasing the basic deduction for both earned income and pension so that it corresponds to twice the price base amount, which for 2025 would be SEK 117,600.
Abolishing the general payroll tax for company employees numbered 2-6 and gradually removing it for all employees.
Reduce VAT on food to 6% and remove the VAT rate of 12% so that VAT on restaurants, hotels and catering is also reduced to 6%.
Halving the number of Swedish authorities and imposing a general efficiency requirement on other authorities.
Lowering the benefit ceiling so that a maximum of half a price base amount before tax is paid to benefit recipients.

Defending Swedish culture

Re-establishing a cohesive society.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Reclaiming Sweden's role as a strong host country with a clear, safe and vibrant culture that permeates the whole of society.
Restoring and safeguarding Swedish culture in schools, public institutions, the justice system and the public space.
Recognising the role of culture in integration and cohesion, where new citizens are exposed not only to welfare, but also to the values that build society.
Promoting Swedish traditions, language, history and community values through state and municipal initiatives.
Ending public support for activities and schools that run counter to Swedish values, including gender-segregated and value-conflicting teaching.
Reallocate resources to activities that strengthen Swedish identity, integration and social cohesion, especially among young people and new arrivals.
To reinstate a clear social contract, where rights are balanced with obligations and where respect for Swedish law and norms is a prerequisite.
Strengthening the place of culture in the construction of society to enable true diversity, based on respect and shared responsibility - not division and complacency.

Ensure a functioning energy system

Plan for nuclear power - build gas turbines and stop wind power.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Swedish energy production should primarily secure Sweden's energy needs. We continue to export our surplus to other countries via existing cables but are restrictive about new capacity that raises our electricity prices.
That Sweden should build new nuclear power and thus return to the well-functioning electricity system we had before 1999. In this way, Sweden can offer electricity at low, predictable prices for industry, societal functions and private individuals. Vattenfall should be tasked with ensuring the rapid expansion of nuclear power.
Transitional solutions pending new nuclear power should be increased power output from CHP and gas turbines, especially in southern Sweden. Increased capacity and electricity production in existing plants are encouraged on market terms. All restrictions on existing hydroelectric power due to environmental assessments will be cancelled.
That no more wind power is built, neither on land nor at sea.
That existing wind power industries are checked to ensure that they meet the requirements set in operation. Also investigate the environmental effects of wind power, for example with regard to the spread of microplastics and infrasound.
That all expansion of large solar power plants on agricultural land is put on hold while waiting for a new regulatory framework to be in place.
The governance of the state-owned utility Svenska Kraftnät (SVK) and the state-owned company Vattenfall should be reviewed. SVK should become the system operator for the entire electricity system.
That the number of bidding zones is reviewed with the aim of equalizing electricity prices across the country.
That no subsidies or special support are given for so-called green transition or electrification.
That energy storage in hydrogen and batteries is not subsidised by the state as these are not sustainable solutions for the energy system (not cost-effective).
That the consequences of increased use of biomass are carefully analysed, as much is currently imported into Sweden.

Protecting agriculture and forestry from bureaucracy and activism

Stop EU micromanagement and work towards greater self-sufficiency.

Ambition Sverige will work for:

Increasing the profitability of agriculture by removing climate-related requirements and reducing the administrative burden.
That as long as we are in the EU, EU regulations should be interpreted strictly in Sweden's favour. In the event of an EU exit, we want national support for agriculture, with the aim of increasing our food self-sufficiency.
Strengthening ownership and utilisation rights for forest and agricultural land. The state's ability to stop deforestation and compulsory purchase of forests must be limited.
Sweden says no to the EU's deforestation regulation, carbon credit trading, ETS2 and plans for satellite monitoring of forest land.
To introduce strict civil servant responsibility and stop activism in government agencies. Government authorities and municipal officials must promote agricultural and forest production, not make it more difficult.
Removing the grazing requirement but favouring grazing. The farmer knows best what suits his farm.
Facilitating the sale of meat and milk directly from farms. The rules for small-scale food processing and sales need to be simplified.
Enabling pastoral farming and other grazing-based livestock production by authorising and facilitating wolf hunting (see chapter on rural areas).