Red-Green Coalition Politicians Resign Amid Severe Care Neglect Scandal in Gothenburg

Heavy criticism from Gothenburg's city audit has led to a significant political fallout within the municipal committees responsible for care services. Following the revelation of severe neglect at a care facility on Hundraårsgatan in Kortedala, where residents were reportedly left in their own waste and staff were found sleeping during shifts, all members of the red-green coalition (Social Democrats, Left Party, and Green Party) in the funktionsstöd committee have resigned. The facility's director was also dismissed amid the scandal.

The issues at the Kortedala facility, which has seen approximately 500 reported care deviations since opening in 2021, were initially highlighted by Sveriges Radio last summer. Subsequent audits showed that the committee was aware of the severe shortcomings as early as 2025 but failed to act promptly. The city audit committee led by Jonas Ransgård (Moderate Party) issued a strong reprimand, recommending that the municipal council deny the committee discharge over the past year, an extraordinary measure indicating serious concern.

Further investigations uncovered similar deficiencies in 30 other care facilities across Gothenburg, with two being reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate. Politicians across parties, including opposition members such as the Christian Democrats, also indicated forthcoming resignations, indicating widespread accountability failures.

Outgoing committee chair Håkan Hallengren (Social Democrats) acknowledged the "significant shortcomings" that adversely affected vulnerable individuals reliant on the committee. Birgitta Adler (Social Democrats) emphasized the sustained neglect and absence of proper oversight systems within the committee. The audit condemned the lack of governance and oversight for damaging resident welfare and eroding public trust.

This political crisis highlights critical failings in Gothenburg's care services administration and signals a need for urgent reforms to restore quality care and public confidence.