All agenda items

Andréa Hedin (M) questioned Vice Mayor Alexander Ojanne (S) about the evaluated School Social Teams Plus (SST+) project, which helps students with high absenteeism return to school, specifically why only 28 of 60 spots were filled, how it will be developed to reach more students, and when it will be available to all students in Stockholm. Ojanne responded that SST+ has many positive effects, and the city has allocated funds to make it permanent and gradually implement it, with a new, integrated approach currently being tested in certain districts and set for evaluation in summer 2026 before wider rollout.

The Moderates question when seniors will again be allowed to drink alcohol in the city's care homes and community centers, challenging the red-green majority on the lack of progress despite their promises. This comes after Väduren senior residence in Vasastan banned alcohol consumption, while Hornstull service house reportedly seeks temporary permits. The Moderates want to know if internal disagreements within the majority are causing delays and how the Commissioner for Senior Citizens views the situation.

Kristin Jacobsson (C) questioned why residents at the Väduren senior housing are no longer allowed to drink alcoholic beverages, such as a digestif with coffee, on their own initiative in the common room during Thursday coffee. She called it unnecessary paternalism towards adults. The Elder and Culture Commissioner, Torun Boucher (V), responded that the city must comply with the Alcohol Act when the district administration organizes activities, but a solution has been found: residents can continue their "cognac coffee" if they arrange the gathering themselves in the common room, without the district administration as the organizer. This ensures both legal compliance and respect for the residents' wishes.

Councillor Svante Linusson (Centre Party) questioned Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (Green Party) about banning petrol-powered vehicles from bike lanes due to pollution and health risks. Strömgren acknowledged the concern about emissions but explained that current law prevents banning only petrol mopeds; a ban would have to include all mopeds, even electric ones, pushing them into car traffic and creating new safety hazards. Therefore, Strömgren has contacted the Minister for Infrastructure to propose legislative changes that would allow for environmental zones or reclassification of vehicle types, enabling specific measures against fossil-fueled mopeds.

The Moderates questioned the city's plan to spend money on marketing campaigns for municipal schools instead of focusing on improving teaching quality, asking about the campaign's cost, preschool directives for informing parents about school choice, and evaluation plans. Education Commissioner Emilia Bjuggren (S) responded that the education administration would not engage in beautifying advertising, but rather targeted informational efforts during school choice to announce information meetings, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between preschools and schools and the city's desire to inform parents about what municipal schools offer, such as facilities and licensed teachers, to enable informed choices.

Tom Hedrup (M) has questioned Housing Commissioner Deniz Butros (V) regarding the significant and increasing debt of Stockholm's municipal housing companies (Stockholmshem, Familjebostäder, and Svenska Bostäder), which currently stands at approximately SEK 36 billion, incurring about SEK 1 billion in annual interest. Hedrup is asking about the debt's future trajectory given plans to construct 11,500 new homes, and whether there's a strategy to reduce it or if property sales might become necessary.

Johan Paccamonti (M) questioned Housing Commissioner Deniz Butros (V) on Stockholm's housing policy, criticizing plans to build more multi-family and rental housing in villa and condominium areas, fearing this would reduce green spaces. Paccamonti argued that policy should align with residents' desires for detached homes and prioritize protecting existing green areas.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) regarding Stockholm's contradictory stance on the Eastern Link, having signed a declaration of intent for its construction yet soon after expressing negativity towards the project. Wanngård responded that the declaration was a prerequisite for state funding for subway expansion and Spårväg Syd, but did not signify a commitment to build the road. Stockholm's red-green majority opposes the Eastern Link, deeming it unprofitable, environmentally detrimental, and a potential cause for increased congestion charges.

Per Rosencrantz (M) questioned Stockholm's increasing debt, nearing SEK 100 billion, particularly criticizing the SEK 1 billion purchase of Hjulstahem, arguing these high loans don't create new housing. Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) countered that the Hjulstahem acquisition strengthens Familjebostäder's finances, gives the city more control over Hjulsta's development, and will be financed by rental income, expecting positive long-term results.

Therese Lindström (M) inquired with Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) about the traffic chaos in southern Stockholm, particularly around Gullmarsplan, Hammarby, and Skansbron, due to concurrent roadworks, asking if it could have been avoided and what measures are planned. Strömgren responded that major projects in a growing city inevitably cause disruptions, and while the Traffic Office coordinates efforts and sets high standards for traffic during construction, the one-way street on Skansbron was necessary for worker safety. Traffic on Skansbron is expected to normalize by December 9, 2025, with Johanneshov traffic interchange opening in late 2025.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) regarding Stockholm's business climate, citing a significant drop in the city's ranking according to the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Wanngård disagreed with this assessment, referencing other reports that portray Stockholm as innovative and attractive for businesses. She further detailed ongoing efforts, including a new business policy, increased business developers, and simplified building permit processes, aimed at enhancing services for entrepreneurs.

An interpellation by Andréa Hedin (M) raised concerns about the unsafe traffic environment around Hässelby Villastad School, citing chaos and worry due to narrowed roads and changed parking rules. School Commissioner Emilia Bjuggren (S) responded that work in autumn 2025 addressed safety with new pedestrian and bicycle paths, raised crosswalks, and restored staff parking. She also emphasized that numerous car-driven students create high traffic volumes and encouraged shared parental responsibility for traffic safety, promoting safe walking and cycling.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Elder and Culture Commissioner Torun Boucher (V) on how Stockholm plans to address the projected doubling of elderly care needs by 2040, specifically criticizing limitations on private builders and rising municipal debt. Boucher responded that the city will construct new care homes itself to ensure long-term control and quality, arguing that past privatizations increased costs and affirming the city will continue strategic property divestments but not sell off welfare infrastructure like elder care.

The Moderates questioned Property Commissioner Clara Lindblom (V) on her plan to improve Hötorgshallen and the market trade at Hötorget, citing neglect and poor management. Lindblom responded that Hötorgshallen is thriving with increased visitors and sales, but acknowledged the need for maintenance, which is being investigated. The city is also working to improve the market environment and adapt trade based on citizen dialogues.

Dennis Wedin (Moderate Party) proposes reinstituting Stockholm's Water Festival to make the city more enjoyable and highlight its unique waterfront location, suggesting a modern take with drone shows and a focus on renewable energy. Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (Social Democratic Party) disagrees that Stockholm has become boring, citing existing cultural and sporting events, but is open to new, modern, and sustainable water-themed experiences, though she believes a direct reintroduction of the old festival is unnecessary and would compete with current offerings.

The Moderates question why Stockholm's market stall fees are increasing, arguing it harms small businesses and makes the city duller, noting that fees are rising at 32 of nearly 40 squares, including Medborgarplatsen and Kista Torg. The Green Party responds that the fee hike updates a 2012 system to reflect the attractiveness and commercial value of each square, aiming for more transparent and localized pricing to foster sustainable, quality market trading, while still being affordable compared to renting commercial space.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned City Planning Commissioner Jan Valeskog (S) regarding the Tenants' Association's report proposing more rental apartments in villa areas to counteract segregation. Örbrink raised concerns about forced mixing of villa areas, arguing it's about correcting "undesirable differences" rather than breaking segregation, and asked if villa owners contribute to segregation and how the city’s approach differs from the Tenants' Association's vision, particularly concerning the preservation of garden city characteristics. Valeskog responded that Stockholm aims for mixed development to combat segregation, an objective supported by city policy documents, including those backed by the Christian Democrats. He affirmed that new projects are carefully assessed against policies, cultural-historical values are considered, and noted senior housing near villa areas as a way to allow elderly residents to remain in their neighborhoods.

The Municipal Executive Board has developed a revised action plan for an age-friendly city, aiming to ensure that older Stockholmers have good opportunities to maintain their health, well-being, and participation in society. The Guardianship Office has reviewed the plan and considers it sound, aligning with their own work for the elderly, including ensuring those who need it receive a guardian or administrator. The plan focuses on five areas: participation and influence, collaboration, social inclusion, housing and urban environment, and communication and information.

The Council for Persons with Disabilities discussed several issues concerning individuals with disabilities. Topics included an annual report on quality reviews in social services, a digital service for seeking support and services, and how to improve coordinated individual planning meetings (SIP) to be more user-friendly and client-centered.

Stockholm City will adjust the fees for municipal political assignments from January 1, 2026. This occurs annually and follows the development of the price base amount, which for 2026 is SEK 59,200. The aim is to ensure that compensation for those holding political positions, such as members of the city council and committees, remains updated and fair.