Liberal Party Reverses Course, Rejects Profit-Driven School Companies Amid Internal Debate

The Swedish Liberal Party has made a significant policy shift, announcing its rejection of profit-driven companies in the school sector. This turnaround, revealed during the party's national meeting in Karlstad from November 21 to 23, highlights a commitment to prioritize students' interests over the financial goals of publicly traded school corporations.

Simona Mohamsson, leading the party's education debate, emphasized the phrase "children before stock market companies." She highlighted concerns such as unqualified teachers, lack of school libraries, and grade inflation within school chains owned by for-profit companies. As a result, Liberals decided to phase out the profit motive from schools, with a mandate for institutions structured as limited companies to be restructured.

However, the policy shift has exposed divisions within the party. Several municipal councilors expressed worries that abolishing profit interests might undermine school choice and compromise educational quality. Mohamsson responded by suggesting a cap on the number of students per class, aiming to improve conditions for teachers and better support students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Plans for a government inquiry into class sizes were also announced, noting current averages of 24 pupils per class in primary schools and 32 in upper secondary schools, numbers considered too high by educational researchers.

This substantial policy reversal underscores the Liberals' effort to address systemic problems in Sweden's education system tied to profit-driven school companies, contrasting with their previous stance. The move reflects growing political attention around the quality and equity of education amid ongoing debates in Swedish politics. While the party strengthens its position on school reforms, it simultaneously copes with internal disagreements about the best path forward.