Government Policy Offensive: Six Propositions Signal Spring Agenda

Stockholm — Sweden's government has launched February with a legislative offensive that paints a clear picture of the coalition's priorities for the spring parliamentary session. Six propositions submitted between February 3-5, 2026, span financial stability, climate policy, and national security—a policy portfolio reflecting both domestic challenges and international obligations.

The six proposals, involving three ministries and five ministers, will be examined by Riksdag committees in the coming weeks. The propositions cover macroprudential supervision, renewable energy, waste management, tax modernization, and two separate property security measures. The timing—mid-way through the 2025/26 parliamentary year—suggests the government is building momentum for the political spring.

Coalition Agenda Takes Shape

Swedish politics over the past year has been defined by the four-party coalition formed under the Tidö Agreement: the Moderates, Sweden Democrats, Christian Democrats, and Liberals. February's propositions offer a snapshot of how this alliance prioritizes—with clear emphasis on economic control, environmental adaptation to EU directives, and security tightening.

Internationally, this occurs against the backdrop of a European economy still navigating inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. Sweden's role in NATO and increased security focus—particularly regarding property transactions—reflects an era of heightened readiness. Simultaneously, the EU's Green Deal drives national legislation on renewable energy and circular economy.

Financial Supervision and Tax Control: Modernizing Economic Oversight

Macroprudential Supervision Strengthened After Financial Turbulence

On February 5, Finance Minister Niklas Wykman (M) presented Proposition 2025/26:119 on development of the macroprudential supervision area. The proposal strengthens Finansinspektionen's (Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority) powers to monitor systemic risks in the financial system—a response to tensions revealed during the 2023-2024 banking turmoil.

The proposition proposes new tools to identify and counter bubbles in the property market, as well as improved oversight of non-bank financiers (so-called "shadow banks"). The proposal aligns with European Central Bank recommendations and Basel Committee guidelines.

What's at stake: Sweden's financial stability has been a source of pride since the 1990s crisis, but rapid credit expansion and high household debt have raised concerns. According to the IMF, Swedish household debt stood at 188 percent of disposable income in 2025—among the highest in the OECD. Macroprudential supervision thus becomes a tool for preventive control.

Tax Authority Receives Modernized Control Tools

Three days earlier, on February 3, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) presented Proposition 2025/26:107 on modernization of the Tax Agency's control tools. The proposal gives the authority expanded access to digital data, including bank transactions and e-commerce information, to combat tax evasion and black market work.

The technology includes machine learning algorithms to identify anomalous patterns and automated data matching between different registers. The Tax Agency estimates the measures could increase tax revenues by SEK 2-3 billion annually through reduced misreporting and evasion.

The privacy question: The opposition has already signaled concerns about privacy intrusion. The Social Democrats' tax policy spokesperson warned of "mass surveillance of ordinary Swedes" and demanded stronger legal safeguards. The Liberals within the coalition are expected to negotiate limitations.

Analysis: Together, the two propositions represent a modernization of Sweden's economic oversight—from macro level (systemic risk) to micro level (individual taxpayer). This pattern is visible throughout Europe, where digitalization meets financial control. The question is whether the Riksdag will demand stronger protections for civil rights.

Green Transition: Renewable Energy and Waste Reform

EU Directive Drives Renewable Energy Permits

On February 5, Climate and Business Minister Andreas Carlson (KD) presented Proposition 2025/26:118 on permit processing according to the renewable energy directive. The proposal implements the EU's revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), which requires faster permit processing for solar, wind, and hydrogen projects.

Specifically, the proposition means that permit times for wind power should be halved from the current 3-5 years to a maximum of 2 years, through parallel processing of environmental and building permits. For solar energy, a "fast-track" procedure is introduced where projects under 1 MW are granted permits within 3 months.

The targets: Sweden has committed to increasing the share of renewable energy from 66 percent (2025) to 80 percent by 2030—part of EU climate goals. But the expansion rate has lagged, especially for offshore wind power where permit processes have become a bottleneck. The proposition is an attempt to remove bureaucratic obstacles.

Circular Economy: Waste Reform

The same day (February 3), Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) presented Proposition 2025/26:108 on reform of waste legislation. The proposal is Sweden's implementation of the EU's revised Waste Directive, aimed at a circular economy with reduced landfilling and increased recycling.

Key measures include:

• Producer responsibility expanded: Manufacturers of electronics, textiles, and plastics must finance collection and recycling of their products.
• Food waste separation mandatory: From 2027, all households must separate food waste, with municipal collection systems.
• Landfill ban: Ban on landfilling recyclable waste (plastic, paper, metal) takes effect in 2028.
• New recycling targets: 70 percent of all household waste must be recycled by 2030 (up from 51 percent in 2025).

Economic consequences: The Swedish Association of Local Authorities estimates implementation costs at SEK 1.5 billion for expansion of collection systems, while the waste industry warns of increased fees. The government promises state support of SEK 500 million over three years.

Analysis: The two environmental propositions show a government balancing different coalition interests. The Christian Democrats drive energy issues (Carlson), while the Liberals handle environmental reforms (Pourmokhtari). Both proposals are highly EU-driven, leaving limited room for domestic adaptation. The question is whether the Riksdag will tighten targets or soften timelines.

Property Security: Dual Security Tightening

Security Protection in Property Transfers

On February 3, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) presented Proposition 2025/26:105 on strengthened security protection in property transfers. The proposal gives the Security Police (SÄPO) and Armed Forces veto rights in sales of properties near sensitive military installations or critical infrastructure.

Concretely, this means buyers of properties within security-classified zones must undergo background checks. SÄPO can deny transfers if the buyer is deemed a security threat—for example, in cases of suspected foreign influence or terrorism.

The context: The proposition follows several high-profile cases where foreign actors purchased land near military bases or energy facilities. After Sweden's NATO accession in 2024, security awareness has heightened, and allied nations have expressed concerns about inadequate protection of strategic infrastructure.

Identity Requirements for Land Registration

The same day, Strömmer also presented Proposition 2025/26:106 on identity requirements for land registration. This proposal targets a different security dimension: money laundering and organized crime through property purchases.

The law requires Lantmäteriet (Swedish Land Survey) to verify the identity of all parties in land registration applications, through BankID or personal visit with ID documentation. Companies must also disclose their beneficial owners (ultimate owners), not just nominal board members.

The problem: The Police Authority and Swedish Economic Crime Authority have long warned that Swedish properties are used for money laundering, especially in metropolitan regions. According to Transparency International estimates, SEK 10-15 billion was laundered annually through the property market in 2023-2025.

Analysis: The two property security propositions represent the government's response to different threats: national security (HD03105) and economic crime (HD03106). That they are presented simultaneously suggests coordinated strategy within the Justice Ministry. Critics warn, however, that security provisions could hamper market liquidity and create administrative burdens for ordinary buyers.

Political Analysis: Coalition DNA Visible

Ministerial Priorities

The proposition pattern reveals clear ministerial profiles:

• Ministry of Finance (2 propositions): Focus on control and stability—both macroprudential supervision and tax compliance. Reflects the Moderates' traditional emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
• Ministry of Climate and Business (2 propositions): Balance between business-friendly energy policy and environmental requirements. The Christian Democrats' energy focus (Carlson) and Liberals' environmental responsibility (Pourmokhtari) are clearly visible.
• Ministry of Justice (2 propositions): Security agenda with both national security and crime prevention. Strömmer (M) delivers on coalition law-and-order promises.

Committee Handling and Timeline

The propositions will be distributed as follows:

Typically, committee processing takes 6-12 weeks, meaning the propositions could come to vote in the chamber in April-May 2026. The government has good chances of passing the proposals, given the coalition's majority, but can expect amendments from the opposition—particularly regarding privacy protection (tax control) and market regulation (property security).

Opposition Counter-Arguments

The Social Democrats have already signaled criticism of what they call a "surveillance society" (tax control and property security), while supporting environmental reforms. The Left Party and Green Party demand stricter climate targets but warn of costs for ordinary citizens. The Center Party, standing outside both government and left bloc, is expected to demand better protections for rural property owners.

Implications: Spring Agenda Takes Form

Signals About Government Priorities

February's propositions send several clear messages:

1. Financial control over expansion: In a time of economic uncertainty, the government prioritizes stability and oversight over growth stimulus.
2. EU adaptation over national innovation: Most proposals (energy, waste) are EU implementations, suggesting limited ambition for Swedish pioneering.
3. Security over market freedom: Property security measures show a government willing to regulate markets in security's name—a marked shift from earlier liberal lines.
4. Coalition stability: That three ministries and five ministers successfully coordinated six propositions suggests internal unity, at least at this stage.

What Comes Next?

Beyond committee processing of these propositions, we can expect:

• Supplementary regulations: Several propositions (especially waste and energy) require detailed implementing regulations from agencies.
• Budget consequences: The spring budget in April must allocate funds for implementation, especially for municipal waste systems.
• EU reporting: Sweden must report to the EU Commission by June 2026 on implementation of the renewable energy directive and waste directive.
• Riksdag debate: Expected key issues will be privacy (tax control), costs (waste), and market impact (property security).

International Context

Sweden's actions are not unique. Within the EU we see similar patterns:

• Germany: Also tightening macroprudential supervision after Deutsche Bank's 2024 crisis.
• Denmark: Has already implemented similar property security laws after Copenhagen's foreign property purchases in 2023.
• Netherlands: Ahead of Sweden on circular economy, with 65 percent recycling already in 2025.
• Finland: Has faster wind power permit processes thanks to digital systems.

What distinguishes Sweden is the combination of financial control and security focus—a mix reflecting both NATO membership and economic caution.

Conclusion: A Coalition in Action

February's six propositions constitute more than routine legislation—they sketch the contours of a coalition government seeking to balance international commitments with domestic security requirements. Financial stability, green transition, and security tightening form the pillars of this agenda.

For the Riksdag, the coming months mean intensive committee work where details will be adjusted and opposition alternatives weighed. For Swedish citizens and businesses, the propositions mean both new obligations (waste sorting, identity checks) and new opportunities (faster energy permits).

The decisive question is whether the coalition can maintain this legislative pace through spring—or whether internal tensions and opposition criticism slow the agenda. February's strong start at least suggests a government with both capacity and will to deliver on its campaign promises.

The next major test comes in April, when the spring budget must be presented and financing of these reforms secured. Until then, the Riksdag has words to scrutinize, debate, and improve the proposals—democracy's slow but necessary process.