In a surprise move, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom resigned last week, opening the door for a cabinet reshuffle and a shift in the country’s foreign policy direction, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson naming Maria Malmer Stenergard, the current Minister for Migration, as the top diplomat, Bloomberg reports.
Stenergard, 43, is known for her hardline stance on immigration and her role in implementing policies aimed at reducing Sweden’s intake of migrants.
This appointment marks a potential shift in Sweden’s foreign policy focus towards stricter control of immigration, a key issue for the current government which relies on the support of the nationalist Sweden Democrats.
Billstrom, whose tenure saw Sweden’s successful entry into NATO, cited the desire for new opportunities outside of politics as his reason for resigning. However, speculation quickly arose about a potential rift between the Foreign Minister and Kristersson.
The cabinet reshuffle extends beyond the Foreign Ministry. Jessica Rosencrantz, chair of the Parliament’s EU Committee, has been appointed Minister for European Union Affairs, replacing Jessika Roswall who has been nominated for a position in the European Commission.
Johan Forssell, the current Minister for Development Cooperation, will take over the Migration Ministry, while Benjamin Dousa will assume the Development Cooperation portfolio.
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