All agenda items

A Moderate politician has questioned the traffic commissioner regarding the "traffic chaos" in southern Stockholm, particularly around Gullmarsplan, Hammarby, and Skansbron, caused by multiple simultaneous roadworks, leading to long queues and extended travel times. The commissioner responded that some disruptions are inevitable with urban development, that workplace safety sometimes necessitates measures like the Skansbron one-way system, and that the Traffic Office coordinates projects and places high demands on contractors, though some simultaneous projects are unavoidable. Capacity at Johanneshov traffic junction is expected to be fully restored by the end of 2025, and Skansbron will reopen in both directions from December 9, 2025; general traffic flow, emissions, and travel times are not always measured, but can be for specific cases.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) regarding Stockholm's business climate, citing a significant drop in Svenskt Näringsliv's ranking and asking about plans to reverse this trend, improve procurement, and foster a vibrant business environment. Wanngård (S) disagreed with the assessment of a declining business climate, referencing other reports that portray Stockholm as attractive for businesses, while noting the city is addressing challenges through a new business policy, establishment strategy, initiatives like "one way in" for entrepreneurs, local business developers, and increased resources for building permits and procurements.

The Moderates raised concerns about traffic and safety issues at Hässelby Villastad school, where narrowed roads and altered staff parking rules have caused chaos during drop-off and pick-up. School Commissioner Emilia Bjuggren (S) responded that measures for a safer school environment, such as pedestrian and bicycle paths, were implemented in autumn 2025 and staff parking spaces have been restored. She also emphasized that numerous cars around schools are a general problem and urged parents to choose alternative transportation and show consideration in traffic whenever possible.

Nike Örbrink (Christian Democrats) questioned Elderly Care Commissioner Torun Boucher (Left Party) on how Stockholm will address the projected doubling of elderly residents by 2040 given the shortage of care homes. Örbrink criticized the limit of 13 new private care homes, arguing it places an unsustainable burden on the municipality due to its existing debt. Boucher responded that the city is taking a comprehensive approach by building its own facilities and improving planning to ensure long-term control and quality in elderly care, committing not to sell strategic properties for short-term financial gain.

Opposition politician Dennis Wedin (M) criticizes the upkeep of Hötorgshallen and Hötorget, describing them as rundown, and questions Housing and Real Estate Commissioner Clara Lindblom (V) on plans to support vendors and improve market trade, also lamenting the rejection of an outdoor seating proposal. Lindblom (V) counters that Hötorgshallen is thriving with increased visitors and sales, not a "problem child," but acknowledges maintenance needs and explains that comprehensive investigations are underway to clarify ownership responsibilities for the complex property while the city adapts market trade and aims for more cultural and evening activities, albeit at a pace dictated by the property's intricate structure.

The Moderates, led by Dennis Wedin, proposed reinstating the Water Festival in a modernized form, featuring drone shows and renewable energy-powered stages, to enhance Stockholm's vibrancy and highlight its unique waterfront. However, Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) countered that Stockholm already boasts a rich array of cultural and sporting events, preferring to evolve the city's cultural scene with contemporary and sustainable additions rather than revive the old festival.

Dennis Wedin (M) has questioned Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) regarding increased market stall fees in Stockholm. Wedin argues that despite promises of lower fees for small-scale vendors in outer districts, selling goods will become more expensive at 32 of nearly 40 squares, including popular spots, claiming this ill-timed move harms small businesses and makes the city less vibrant. Strömgren responded that the fee hike is part of an overdue review, aiming to align fees with market attractiveness and commercial value since the system hadn't been updated since 2012, asserting the new model creates transparent pricing, fosters sustainable market trade, and remains a favorable option for small businesses compared to renting commercial premises.

Nike Örbrink (Christian Democrats) questioned City Planning Commissioner Jan Valeskog (Social Democrats) regarding a report proposing the addition of 287,000 rental apartments to Stockholm's villa areas, suggesting this might be forced mixing rather than anti-segregation work. She asked if villa owners contribute to segregation, if villa areas are problematic, if the city's vision differs from the report, and how garden cities will be preserved. Valeskog responded that Stockholm aims for mixed development to counter segregation, a goal the Christian Democrats also support, and that proposals are carefully reviewed, citing senior housing in villa areas as a desirable form of densification.

Per Rosencrantz (M) questioned Emilia Bjuggren (S), Commissioner for Education, Labor Market, and HR, about the Social Democrats' integration policy of "mixing the population" to combat segregation, asking how this would be implemented, if it meant densification of villa areas, and its impact on individual choice given high rents in new municipal housing. Bjuggren (S) responded that the policy aims for equal opportunities and to counteract segregation by addressing overcrowding and increasing housing construction, citing ongoing work in Järva and southern Stockholm with investments in schools, housing, and safety, and existing efforts to build townhouses in high-rise areas for mixed development.

Moderate Andréa Hedin questioned School Commissioner Emilia Bjuggren (S) regarding grading issues in Stockholm schools, specifically asking what measures are taken to protect teachers from undue influence from parents and school management and how parents are informed about grading rules. Hedin cited teacher reports of pressure to award higher grades and a survey showing nearly 60% had succumbed to such pressure. Bjuggren responded that pressure is unacceptable and school management must protect teachers, noting that schools have support materials for handling threats and influence, but the primary education department does not view this as a structural problem in Stockholm due to a lack of grade inflation, with parental information provided through meetings and principal letters.

Moderate council member Per Rosencrantz questioned City Commissioner Emilia Bjuggren (S) on rising long-term unemployment, especially among youth, since the Social Democrats took office, asking for the city's plan to reduce it, boost vocational training, support sectors employing low-skilled workers, and if municipal taxes align with employment goals. Bjuggren responded that the Social Democrats are investing over SEK 220 million in labor market policies, strengthening adult education and municipal employment, particularly for those far from the job market, noting successful collaborations with industries and a decrease in youth unemployment, particularly in focus areas, while defending tax increases as funding these job creation efforts.

The Bromma District Council has decided to lease land at Bergslagsvägen 49 and construct a pavilion there. This is to consolidate personnel, vehicles, and equipment for in-house maintenance of the city's parks and winter roads, aiming to increase control and quality in the upkeep of Bromma's green spaces and roads. The annual rent will be approximately SEK 645,000, with establishment costs of around SEK 3.9 million.

Opposition parties Moderaterna, Centerpartiet, and Liberalerna have submitted questions to the Education Administration regarding the decision to close Observatorielunden School and relocate its students to Vasa Real. They are seeking clarification on why the board was not informed about the altered and earlier timeline for the school's closure. The Education Administration acknowledges the communication breakdown and will implement clearer routines for informing and following up with the board, alongside a comprehensive communication plan for staff, students, and guardians developed in collaboration with union representatives.

The Liberal Party expresses concern about the difficulty Stockholm's upper secondary schools face in finding work-based learning (APL) placements and questions why the city's own operations accept students from other municipalities. The Education Administration replies that the responsibility for APL lies with the schools themselves, as they best understand their programs and have their own contacts. While the administration offers support when needed, they do not believe the shortage of APL placements is a significant problem for the majority of schools.

Two politicians from the Sweden Democrats have asked the education board how they handle school employees who have behaved inappropriately or committed crimes, and are then bought out instead of being held accountable. They wonder how such individuals are prevented from being rehired and how children are protected. The Education Administration responds that they always follow laws and procedures, report crimes to the police, and that principals receive support in difficult cases. They also state that information about former employees' unsuitability cannot be retained after employment ends, but that reference checks and background checks are used during new hirings to minimize the risk of unsuitable staff returning to schools.

Proponents Claes Nyberg and Ismail Ali (Centre Party) propose that Stockholm should collaborate with non-profit organizations to offer homework assistance in overcrowded and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, and that the city should provide premises for this on evenings and weekends. The Education Administration agrees with the need for homework help but believes the school already has responsibility for this and advises against this type of cooperation, as they feel homework help should be provided within the school's framework. The administration mentions that schools can apply for state grants for homework assistance in collaboration with non-profit organizations.

Stockholm City has developed a preschool child health program. The program aims to ensure all children aged 1-6, regardless of background or location, have access to a safe and health-promoting environment. The goal is to reduce disparities in children's living conditions and promote their physical, mental, and social well-being through preventative and inclusive measures, while also improving collaboration between different services that interact with children.

The Education Committee has produced a report on student safety, study environment, student health, and absence in Stockholm's schools during the academic year 2025-26. The report indicates that approximately 90 percent of primary school students and 94 percent of upper secondary students feel safe at school, though fewer dare to ask questions when they don't understand something during lessons, particularly girls in higher grades. The Education Administration will continue to invest in strengthening student health services, including by increasing the number of psychologists in schools and improving work on attendance and special support.

The Education Committee has approved new guidelines to counter corruption within Stockholm's schools and administration. These guidelines clarify rules for educational meals, accepting gifts from students and parents (gifts should generally not be accepted, but minor gifts for occasions like school graduations are permissible if no return favor is expected), and conflict of interest in recruitment and other decisions. The Director of Education will establish specific monetary limits for representation and gifts.

This matter concerns the Education Committee reporting on a series of internal delegation decisions and received documents. Among other things, they have considered a proposal from Stockholm Water and Waste regarding new rules for waste management in the municipality. The Education Administration assesses that the new rules will have a very minor impact on schools, but if a school is affected, the administration will assist in finding a solution. Another decision means that the Director of Education is re-delegating decision-making authority to lower levels within the administration.