City-wide

An interpellation from Andréa Hedin (M) to the Commissioner of Schools, Emilia Bjuggren (S), addresses limiting social media in Stockholm's schools. Hedin questions why work on implementing technical blocks on school computers and tablets hasn't been prioritized sooner, arguing for a clear, general solution to ensure a calm study environment. Bjuggren replies that a solution blocking social media and inappropriate websites on school devices is planned for autumn term 2026, with no decision on target group adaptation yet, and doesn't rule out the blocks needing to apply around the clock.

Opposition politician Dennis Wedin (M) has interpellated Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) regarding why nearly 10,000 Stockholmers' complaints about inadequate snow removal in January were closed without individual assessment. Questions are raised about the city's handling of these complaints, whether residents should lower their expectations, and the nature of the closed reports, given the significant accessibility and safety issues experienced during January's snowfall, which may have led to acute cases being missed.

Annika Elmlund (M) questioned Elder and Culture Commissioner Torun Boucher (V) about the requirements for cinemas receiving municipal support, following perceived antisemitic messages displayed at Biograf Zita. Boucher responded that the city does not support activities violating democratic conditions or Swedish law but emphasized the "arm's length principle" to protect artistic freedom. She concluded that Biograf Zita had broken no rules and saw no need to change guidelines, given the fundamental importance of freedom of speech and artistic expression.

Dennis Wedin (M) has questioned Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) regarding the City of Stockholm's failure to provide information on ice thickness at popular locations like Årstaviken and Riddarfjärden, citing public safety concerns, especially for families with children. Wedin argues that knowing the ice conditions is crucial for safe recreation and asks if Strömgren is open to implementing a system for regular ice thickness measurement and publication by next winter.

Andréa Hedin (M) questioned Alexander Ojanne (S), the Commissioner for Security, about the successful but underutilized School Social Team Plus (SST+) project aimed at helping students with high absenteeism return to school, asking how it would be expanded city-wide. Ojanne replied that SST+ has been made permanent and will be gradually introduced starting in focus areas, with a new, integrated approach to be evaluated by summer 2026 before further rollout, while regular School Social Teams are simultaneously strengthened in other districts.

Kristin Jacobsson (C) questioned why residents at the Väduren senior housing no longer could have an "avec" with their coffee at the communal Thursday fika, which they had organized for years, calling it unnecessary paternalism. The Vice Mayor for the Elderly and Culture, Torun Boucher (V), explained that the city must follow alcohol laws requiring serving permits when organizing activities. A solution was found: residents can continue their fika and consume alcohol if they organize it themselves, without the city acting as an organizer, thus respecting both the law and residents' wishes.

Andréa Hedin (M) criticizes Elderly Care and Culture Commissioner Torun Boucher (V) for slow action on alcohol service for seniors in municipal housing and community centers, citing unfulfilled promises and a ban on liqueur at the Väduren senior residence. Boucher responds that the city is actively seeking solutions balancing resident autonomy and alcohol laws, noting a solution for Väduren where residents can host events with alcohol, and new support for districts to apply for temporary serving permits.

Councillor Svante Linusson (C) questioned Traffic Commissioner Lars Strömgren (MP) about banning gasoline-powered vehicles on bike paths due to pollution and health risks. Strömgren shares the concern but stated the municipality cannot ban only gasoline mopeds, only all Class 2 mopeds (including electric). He has contacted the Minister for Infrastructure to explore introducing environmental zones for mopeds or reclassifying them, enabling targeted measures against fossil-fueled mopeds.

The Moderates questioned why the City of Stockholm is spending money marketing municipal schools instead of improving quality, asking about costs, how preschools inform guardians, and how the campaign will boost results. City Commissioner of Schools, Emilia Bjuggren (S), responded that it's not an ad campaign but an information effort for guardians, including meeting details, to ensure they can make informed school choices by highlighting collaboration, facilities, and qualified teachers.

Tom Hedrup (M) has questioned Housing Commissioner Deniz Butros (V) regarding the significant and growing debt of Stockholm's municipal housing companies (Stockholmshem, Familjebostäder, and Svenska Bostäder), which now totals approximately SEK 36 billion. He seeks to understand the projected debt development, if there's a plan to reduce it, and whether there's a risk of property sales or a negative impact on the city's credit rating.

Johan Paccamonti (M) questioned Housing Commissioner Deniz Butros (V) about Stockholm's housing policy. He criticized plans to build more multi-family homes and rental properties in areas with villas and tenant-owned apartments, respectively, and expressed concern about the potential impact on green spaces. Paccamonti argued that policy should align with residents' desire for villas rather than developing green areas.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) regarding the City of Stockholm's stance on the Eastern Link road project, noting a signed declaration of intent yet apparent city opposition. Wanngård confirmed the declaration was a government requirement for public transport funding, not an endorsement of the road. She stated the red-green majority remains opposed due to concerns about profitability, increased emissions, and potential displacement of public transport, adding the city will democratically work to prevent its construction.

Nike Örbrink (KD) questioned Finance Commissioner Karin Wanngård (S) regarding Stockholm's business climate, citing a decline in the city's ranking in Svenskt Näringsliv's measurements and asking what measures are being taken to reverse the trend and improve procurement. Wanngård (S) disagreed with the assessment of a worsening climate, pointing to other reports that show Stockholm as innovative and attractive, but acknowledged the challenges in Svenskt Näringsliv's measurement are taken seriously, outlining actions such as a new business policy, a "single point of contact" for entrepreneurs, local business developers, and investments in building permit management and innovation environments.

Unit Manager Annette Mathiesen provided an update on the development of the city's preventive social services. She detailed how services have been improved and expanded in anticipation of the new Social Services Act, including work at Starbogården and Kompassen, more Elderly Guides and Guides, digital support home visitors, and efforts in fall prevention and caregiver support. This information was noted, and no decisions were made.

The council discussed proposals for barbecue areas in the new nature reserve in Riddersvik/Kyrkhamn/Lövsta, providing feedback on accessibility, including wheelchair access, higher benches with armrests, handrails, and written information. They also recommended specific grill models and requested a solution for waste collection.

The Hässelby-Vällingby District Council has appointed new substitute members to the Pensioners' Council. Wivan Lindberg was nominated by PRO and Barbro Erlandsson by SPF, meaning the council now has new representatives to safeguard the interests of pensioners in the area.

Council members Jan Jönsson (L) and Isabel Smedberg Palmqvist propose that the city investigate and identify more suitable locations for street art in Stockholm's outer districts. The aim is to strengthen cultural life and make art more accessible outside the inner city, fostering a vibrant city, local identity, and increased well-being for residents.

Council members Jan Jönsson and Isabel Smedberg-Palmqvist (L) proposed that Stockholm City should promote more art and culture in nursing homes to improve the quality of life for seniors, requesting a strategy from the Culture and Elder Care Committees. The City responded that extensive work is already underway to strengthen art and culture in elder care, notably through the "Culture for Seniors" model, thus a new strategy is deemed unnecessary by the majority, despite some reservations noting varying access to culture across facilities and districts and the potential for a strategy to ensure greater equality.

Council members Jan Jönsson, Björn Ljung, and Åsa Nilsson Söderström (L) proposed that Stockholm city investigate and tighten its democratic conditions for renting premises and providing cultural support, to prevent anti-democratic groups from renting city properties and spreading their agenda. The City Executive Office states that similar work is already underway per the 2025 and 2026 budget, focusing on updating guidelines and strengthening controls. While some committees believe current guidelines suffice or warn of increased bureaucracy, several are open to review and clarification.

Councillor Jonas Naddebo (C) proposes simplifying city regulations for restaurants, nightclubs, and live venues, arguing current rules hinder Stockholm's appeal. He suggests removing complex permit requirements, allowing simple, fee-free year-round outdoor seating via a "Stockholm meter" concept, and urging the government to modernize national laws. The city acknowledges its ongoing work to strengthen the visitor industry and simplify processes, including more outdoor seating, but notes many regulations are national and beyond municipal control.