Sweden's Moderate Party targets EU wealth leadership by 2035

The Moderate Party (Moderaterna) has set an ambitious goal for Sweden to become the wealthiest country in the European Union by 2035, measured by GDP per capita. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that achieving this requires an average annual growth rate of approximately 3 percent over the next decade.

To drive this growth, the party proposes several economic measures, including lowering corporate taxes, introducing a “super-deduction” for research and development, simplifying permit processes, and offering more generous employee stock options. The party argues these measures will strengthen Sweden as an investment nation and provide necessary resources for welfare, defense, and the justice system.

However, the plan to finance these tax cuts has faced criticism. The Moderates aim to free up 71 billion SEK for the next mandate period. Critics argue the funding relies on uncertain calculations, such as projecting 15 billion SEK in gains from increased employment and 10 billion SEK in cuts to state bureaucracy. Other proposed savings include 6 billion SEK from labor market policies and unemployment insurance adjustments, though some measures face opposition from the Sweden Democrats (SD).