Acko Ankarberg Johansson Resigns as Health Minister and MP Ahead of Election
Acko Ankarberg Johansson resigns from her roles as health minister and MP, citing a shift in focus to family and new leadership opportunities.
Key Points
- • Acko Ankarberg Johansson resigns as health minister and MP one year before elections.
- • She has served with the Christian Democrats since 1986, holding various roles.
- • The resignation is seen as a move for new leadership within the party.
- • She highlighted key healthcare achievements during her tenure.
Acko Ankarberg Johansson, Sweden's Minister of Health, has announced her resignation from both her ministerial position and as a member of parliament, effective immediately. The announcement, made on September 8, 2025, revealed that her departure comes with only one year remaining before the next election. She expressed her desire to focus on family and create opportunities for new leaders within the Christian Democrats (KD), the party she has been part of since 1986.
In her resignation post, Ankarberg Johansson reflected on her nearly four-decade career with the KD and her accomplishments in healthcare, including significant reforms like the revisions to the national cancer strategy and advancements in HPV vaccination efforts to eliminate cervical cancer risk. "I am particularly pleased that we can soon ascertain that the risk of cervical cancer has been eliminated," she stated, highlighting her commitment to public health during her tenure.
Her resignation has garnered mixed reactions, with party secretary Liza-Maria Norlin praising her leadership and contributions, emphasizing her impact on Swedish policymaking and public service. Meanwhile, party leader Ebba Busch referred to the transition as a 'guard change' while acknowledging Ankarberg Johansson's significant role in shaping party policies and health initiatives since her appointment as health minister by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Previously, Ankarberg Johansson had shown willingness to run for re-election, only to reverse that decision shortly after. Speculation about potential shifts within the government is now prevalent, considering her long-standing influence within the party and the implications of her resignation as Sweden gears up for the upcoming elections. As of now, she has not detailed her future plans post-resignation, maintaining a focus on family and personal matters.