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Several issues that the government will decide during the fall and winter create a serious dispute between the two ruling parties, the Green Party and the Social Democrats.
The Parliamentary Migration Commission will present its final report shortly. The government will then produce new legislation on asylum, to be drafted by the Riksdag in the spring.
But the Social Democrats and the Green Party are on a collision course. The Green Party is threatening to leave government if the Social Democrats pass its proposals for more restrictive legislation.
One problem with at least as much explosive political power for the Green Party is Preem’s plans to expand the Lysekil oil refinery. The planned plant would significantly increase Sweden’s carbon dioxide emissions.
S think different
The Green Party has always been highly critical of Preem’s plans, and today the party did not unexpectedly leave the message that the government should say no to the project.
The Social Democrats have so far not commented, but it is no secret that the party has a different view of expansion. This includes the many jobs being created, but also that Preem plans to gradually switch to fossil-free production.
No matter what, this is a problem, as is immigration policy, with the potential to trigger a government crisis. The fact that the Green Party chooses to leave the message right now can also be interpreted as the party trying to shift the focus of the debate from immigration policy to climate policy.
Formally, it is the government that gives permission for expansion. At the same time, it is an administrative matter, which means that the decision is made in accordance with current legislation. Otherwise, the law runs the risk of being rejected by the Supreme Administrative Court or the Court of Justice of the European Communities.
According to the judicial authorities, there is no legal margin to stop the refinery. In June, the Land and Environment Court gave the green light to Preem’s expansion in Lysekil. According to the court, the so-called stop rule of the Environment Code cannot be applied to operations because it is part of the EU emissions trading scheme. There are also no other legal obstacles to the business, according to the court.
“Paintings in a corner”
Despite this, the Green Party is now demanding that the government stop the refinery. This means that another issue that can bankrupt the government is now seriously incorporated into government cooperation.
The Green Party is voluntarily hiding in a corner, from which it may be difficult to get out during future government negotiations.
On the other hand, this may be an issue in which the Green Party would rather attack the government than immigration policy. When it comes to climate and environmental policy, the party has great trust among voters. Dividing the government on such an issue would probably be easier for voters to explain.
