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Here, unemployment is rising faster in Sweden
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STRÖMSTAD. The pandemic and virtually non-existent border trade have hit the residents of Strömstad hard.
In a municipality where politicians often boast that there is hardly any unemployment, it is now increasing more across the country.
– Many have already started moving, says Anton Brusing, 26.
The sun peeks through the morning fog in central Strömstad after yesterday’s rain and wind. The Kosteröarna ferry just docked at the pier and some people get off.
Along the streets, which are usually full of cars, there is now a lot of space and there is no risk of congestion for those who want to take the opportunity to take a walk and enjoy the December sun.
A Strömstad resident who is away from home is Oddny Lindholm, 72. He moved here from Norway almost 20 years ago.
– I’ve lived here for a long time, so I know how lively it tends to be here.
Photo: ANDERS DEROS
December is usually fine with the people of Strömstad, but now it’s pretty empty. The Norwegians have been conspicuous by their absence since the border was closed.
Almost spooky atmosphere
The municipality of Strömstad has just over 13,000 inhabitants. It is usually crowded here, especially during the summer and in December. But now it is an almost spooky atmosphere.
– I hardly see people when I walk around here. Sad that it got like this, but what to do, says Oddny.
Photo: ANDERS DEROS
Oddny Lindholm, 72, moved to Strömstad from Norway almost 20 years ago. He hopes that the border will open soon so that the relationship with Norway can remain as good as ever.
A large part of his family lives here in Strömstad and it has been a few years since he was last in Norway.
– I have some friends who usually go here. You are used to the fact that the edge is open and it is almost as if there is no edge. It just feels black that it is.
Above all, Oddny is concerned that the coronavirus will affect the relationship between Swedes and Norwegians in the long term.
– We should be good friends, so I don’t expect this to drag on. Unfortunately, I think there is a lot of politics behind this. The Norwegian side has benefited from the fact that the border is closed.
Photo: ANDERS DEROS
Oddny Lindholm, 72, is strolling through Strömstad. She tells Aftonbladet how lively society can be in December. Now it is almost empty on the streets.
Difficult situation when people lose their jobs
Since March, the border is closed. Even this summer it was not temporarily open like in Jämtland and Värmland, among other places.
This has caused many people to lose their jobs in Strömstad. A municipality where politicians often boast that there are hardly any unemployed.
By November, the figure had risen to 9.8 percent, according to statistics from the Swedish Public Employment Service. This is an increase of 4.2 percentage points compared to the same period last year and the largest increase in all of Sweden.
Anton Brusing, 26, from Allingsås is one of several who have moved to Strömstad over the years precisely because there were so many vacancies in the past.
The one who still has his job has gone out in his spare time to the Nordby Shoppingcenter with some friends.
– I went here partly to see how you are. It is notable that the pandemic has hit hard here.
Photo: ANDERS DEROS
Anton Brusing, 26, has gone to the Nordby Shoppingcenter to see what it looks like now that commerce is basically standing there.
Risk of movement of people
Anton believes that there is a risk that people will move, especially young people, if the trend is not reversed.
– In the apartment complex where I live, many have already moved. If there is no work, there are no people who want to work here either. But many are still hopeful and waiting for the border to open.
In November, 592 between the ages of 16 and 64 were either openly unemployed or seeking work with support for activities in Strömstad. The municipality, together with the Swedish Public Employment Service, has set up an adjustment office that will help the unemployed find a new job or education to slow down development.
Photo: ANDERS DEROS
It has been empty with people in Strömstad since the Norwegian border was closed. Before, it used to be like this in December.
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