Karin Wanngård Announces Departure from Politics After 15 Years
Karin Wanngård announces her departure from Stockholm politics after 15 years, reflecting on achievements and challenges faced during her tenure.
Key Points
- • Wanngård will not run for re-election after 15 years in politics.
- • She expressed a desire for new life opportunities after becoming a mother.
- • Reflecting on key crises, she cites the Drottninggatan attack and refugee crisis as major challenges.
- • She emphasizes the need for live culture and notes the impact of crime on Stockholm's international image.
Karin Wanngård, the finance mayor of Stockholm, has announced her decision not to seek re-election, marking the end of a significant 15-year career in politics. At 50 years old and newly a mother of twins, Wanngård expressed her desire to explore new possibilities in life, declaring, "I want to make sure I can fit in something more in life."
Since taking office in 2014, Wanngård has been a key figure in Stockholm's governance, navigating through some of the city's most pressing challenges. Among her notable achievements are her responses to the terrorist attack on Drottninggatan in 2017 and the management of the refugee crisis that peaked in her first term. She takes pride in having maintained welfare funding in an economy marked by high inflation, reflecting on how her administration managed to address these issues without significant state support.
Wanngård's initiatives have also notably included Fokus Järva, aimed at combating segregation within the city. However, she acknowledges the reality of increased violence in Stockholm, admitting the local government may have been somewhat naive about the issue's escalation. While she notes improvements in local safety, Wanngård believes the city's international reputation has been adversely affected by perceptions of crime. "The city’s image has suffered internationally as a result," she stated.
Despite resigning while her party, the Social Democratic Party, is performing well, Wanngård is conscious of the criticism faced by politicians who step down after electoral failures. Her decision to leave reflects a personal choice, rather than a reaction to poor party performance. As she prepares for her exit, Wanngård emphasizes the importance of live culture and tourism, which she views as vital for Stockholm's vibrancy and economic health. Looking ahead, she expresses optimism for her party's future leadership, asserting that there is a cadre of competent politicians ready to fill her role.