Moderate Party Politician Ordered to Repay Over 1.1 Million Kronor for Improper Reimbursements in Blekinge

A former Moderate Party politician in Blekinge, Åsa Evaldsson, has been ordered by Blekinge District Court to repay 1.1 million kronor due to excessive reimbursement claims made during her tenure from 2019 to 2023. The court ruling came after an investigation into reimbursements for work that was part of her official political role and for lost income while she was on leave from her employment.

The court found that Evaldsson acted in bad faith by receiving payments for tasks such as preparing documents and attending meetings, expenses which were already covered by her political compensation. This decision contrasts with Evaldsson's defense that she had acted in good faith throughout.

Her lawyer, Henrik Månsson, expressed disappointment over the verdict but acknowledged the ruling’s firmness. The controversy surfaced in the autumn of 2023, uncovering a significant overpayment scandal in Ronneby municipality linked to Evaldsson's reimbursements.

This case highlights the scrutiny of political expense claims and the importance of accountability among elected officials. The court's ruling sends a clear message regarding financial transparency and proper use of public funds within Swedish politics, specifically emphasizing the responsibilities of politicians within local government structures.

The enforcement of repayment will now follow the court's directive, with public reaction underscoring demands for stricter oversight on political reimbursements to avoid similar incidents in the future.