City-wide

The Liberals have moved to develop Stockholm's strategy for single-family homes and villa areas, proposing that the City Planning Committee be tasked with ensuring new constructions better integrate with area character and that green spaces are better protected during projects. However, the City Executive Board responds that these issues are already being addressed through ongoing processes, particularly in light of upcoming changes to the Planning and Building Act.

The Liberals proposed that the municipality develop an action plan to reduce SFI (Swedish for immigrants) dropout rates, arguing that high dropout numbers hinder integration and access to work or further studies. However, the municipal executive board majority and several district committees disagreed, stating that the city already works systematically to reduce dropouts through tailored programs, study breaks, and collaboration with the Public Employment Service, noting that reasons for dropping out, such as finding work or relocating, are often beyond the education's control.

Councilors Kristin Jacobsson and Svante Linusson (C) proposed investigating Stockholm's parking garages for their potential to serve as protected spaces during crises or war, suggesting equipping them with water, sanitation, and ventilation, and exploring requirements for future garages to be convertible into shelters. The City Executive Board, while acknowledging the importance of strengthening civil defense, recommended awaiting national decisions and state funding for such measures, as current requirements and funding for converting parking garages into shelters are lacking. Some opposition parties reserved their positions, believing the city should act more proactively rather than solely waiting for national initiatives.

The Liberals proposed that the City of Stockholm allow associations to manage smaller parks through user agreements, aiming to increase engagement and improve maintenance. The City Executive Board rejected the motion, stating that primary responsibility for park maintenance must remain with the city, despite valuing citizen engagement. While some city districts already have user agreements, these are for "extra" tasks beyond normal upkeep and do not include financial compensation for the associations.

The Liberals proposed an investigation into increasing workplaces in Söderort to alleviate commuting and congestion, given that many residents currently travel to other parts of the city for work. The city responded that it is already actively working to strengthen Söderort with more jobs, with relevant measures integrated into ongoing budget assignments and planning, though the Liberals believe more can be done to facilitate business establishment.

Councillor Dennis Wedin (M) believes Stockholm's business climate has deteriorated, with a decline in new businesses, and proposes the city do more to support start-ups, including returning new business support to Stockholm Business Region and creating a consolidated permit center. Rapporteur Councillor Karin Wanngård (S) disputes this, arguing that the city's new model, Entreprenör Stockholm, is more effective, focusing on green transition, social entrepreneurship, and shortage occupations while ensuring better control over public funds. The City Executive Board therefore proposes the motion be addressed by referring to ongoing work.

Jan Jönsson (L) proposed that the City of Stockholm map Afrophobia in the city's schools, including analyzing reports of discrimination and hate crimes and engaging with civil society. The majority of the City Executive Board and several committees believe a broader mapping of all racism in schools is already underway and that they should await its results and utilize the Equality Ombudsman's national work. The Liberals entered a reservation, arguing that a specific mapping of Afrophobia is needed, as it targets a particularly vulnerable group.

The Liberal party's Jan Jönsson proposed a new survey of antisemitism in Stockholm's schools, preschools, and other educational activities, along with an action plan, due to a perceived increase in antisemitism after the October 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. However, the City Executive Board believes the city is already actively combatting antisemitism through a new action plan against racism and an ongoing broader survey of racism in schools. Therefore, they want to await the results of these efforts before considering a new specific survey on antisemitism.

Jan Jönsson (L) proposed that Stockholm introduce a Swedish language test, similar to the math test, to better monitor high school students' reading comprehension and support elementary schools. The City Executive Board rejected the proposal, citing a previous investigation that found such a test would be too expensive, difficult to design, and not useful enough to justify the cost. They argued that current follow-up methods are sufficient and that the focus should be on providing teachers with better conditions for instruction.

Jan Jönsson (L) proposed that the City of Stockholm map the prevalence of homophobia and transphobia within its own operations to better understand and combat discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals, with results informing future measures and annual follow-up. While most committees and administrations believe their existing human rights program and new LGBTQI+ action plan sufficiently address this and a separate mapping is unnecessary or difficult, Jönsson argues current efforts are insufficient, lack focus on residents' experiences, and advocates for more LGBTQ-certified operations.

Council members Jan Jönsson and Anne-Lie Elfvén (both L) proposed measures to reduce bureaucracy, speed up permit processes, and clarify rules for Stockholm's visitor industry, arguing its importance for the city's appeal and economy. The City Executive Board, led by Karin Wanngård, rejected the motion, stating the city already actively addresses these issues through existing initiatives, digitalization, and a functioning industry council. However, Jan Jönsson (L) registered a reservation, noting industry support for the motion highlights the need for further action.

The Liberals propose an investigation into digital tools in Stockholm's preschools, aiming for clear guidelines and screen-free environments, except for older children with a pedagogical purpose, citing concerns about screen time's negative impact on development. The city responds that the new preschool curriculum, effective July 1, 2025, already removes digital tool requirements, emphasizes analog learning for younger children, and that the Swedish National Agency for Education is developing support materials. Therefore, the city leadership believes the motion's intentions are met and preschool teachers should retain professional discretion over learning tools.

The Liberals propose that the City of Stockholm map honor-based oppression in preschools to better implement measures and educate staff, citing a lack of knowledge about the problem's extent and unclear current guidelines. The municipal board's majority rejects an immediate mapping, preferring to await a government inquiry on honor-related violence in preschools and schools, due in 2026, though work against honor-based oppression will continue in the interim.

Destiny Zandi Lindgren (KD) proposed that Stockholm should aim to maintain at least the same number of parking spaces as in 2020, to support motorists and ensure parking availability keeps pace with city growth. However, several boards and companies, including the Traffic Committee, argued that this contradicts the city's current plan to reduce car traffic by 30% by 2030, improve accessibility, reduce climate impact, and create more appealing public spaces, noting the city already has strategic parking plans and new guidelines in place.

The Liberals propose changes to Stockholm's land allocation policy, aiming for clearer social requirements when assigning land to developers to build more affordable homes. They also want the Social Welfare Committee to play a larger role in housing for special needs groups. However, the City Executive Board believes current work on new land allocation guidelines and a housing supply action plan already addresses these intentions, and that social considerations are already factored into housing construction.

Gabriel Kroon (SD) proposed that Stockholm residents should be able to pay to have a tree planted on public land, contributing to urban greenery without burdening the budget. However, the City Executive Board advises against this, citing past similar initiatives as administratively demanding with issues concerning tree selection and maintenance. The city is instead investing 71 million SEK in tree planting and care, and is developing a new tree policy.

Two SD politicians proposed that all signs and advertisements in Stockholm should primarily be in Swedish, with Swedish text being twice as large and legible as any other language. However, the motion was rejected as most committees and politicians believe the city already complies with language laws and recognizes the need for multilingualism for tourists and new arrivals.

Liberal Party members propose that the city's policy documents, such as the architecture policy and the strategy for small-house areas, should have a greater impact on urban development, arguing that boards don't always follow them, which risks eroding Stockholm's unique character. The City Executive Board responds that the city is already working to strengthen the integration of these governing documents through follow-ups and training, concluding that the motion's intentions are largely met by ongoing efforts.

Åsa Nilsson Söderström (L) proposed that Stockholm establish a competence center against transnational oppression, aimed at individuals who have sought protection in Sweden but face threats and pressure from their home countries. While the center would gather knowledge, provide support, and offer legal aid, the majority of administrations and the City Commissioner believe this falls outside municipal responsibility and is a state affair. However, the Liberals argue it could be organized similarly to the Origo center for honor-related violence.

Jan Jönsson (L) proposed that Stockholm schools should more widely adopt "phonics" to improve students' reading ability, following an international study showing a decline. The majority of the City Executive Board and referral bodies, including Stockholm University, agreed that phonics is an important method but emphasized it's insufficient on its own. They advocate for a balanced approach incorporating multiple methods and focusing on language comprehension, especially for non-native Swedish speakers, and believe politicians should not micromanage teaching methods.