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As a teenager, Annika Hirvonen realized that the way to deeply influence society is through politics. At the age of 15 she elected the Green Party and at 18 she received her first position of trust in the Sundbyberg municipality.
Currently, she is the leader of the Green Party group in the Riksdag, spokesperson on migration and education issues. She now wants to take over as the next female spokesperson when Isabella Lövin leaves in January.
– Right now we are in a climate crisis and so that we do not end up in a situation of great suffering we must do everything possible to change. At the same time, we must be a voice for those who are having a difficult time in the here and now, for people who are between the cracks of well-being, he says.
After years of bad opinion figures Near the Riksdag barrier, there is once again a discussion about which path the Green Party should take. Annika Hirvonen is one of those who believes that the party must be clearer and refine its welfare policy.
“I want to see a policy where we narrow the gaps,” says Annika Hirvonen.
Photo: Nicklas Thegerström
– I want to see a policy in which we reduce the gaps. Where the most vulnerable, children who grow up in poverty and homelessness, and those who fall through the cracks of well-being are given equal opportunities. My conviction is that we must change taxation, in part continuing with a green tax change where those who destroy the environment pay more and the money is distributed to ordinary people but also by those who have more also contribute more, she says and continues:
– I myself have a sister who is seriously ill and has been pushed from one place to another to take care of her. I know how it feels to have a knot in your stomach before the decision about personal assistance comes next.
She has before thought It should be obvious that both spokespersons should be in government because it is important to have a balance of power between male and female spokespersons.
– But if the party wants, I can reconsider that attitude. Elections are short on time and there is a great need to develop our business.
How would you and the Per Bolund male mouthpiece complement each other?
– I have extensive experience and deep knowledge in many social issues and issues that are high on the media agenda.
Is it obvious that the deputy will sit in the government if he has the opportunity again after the next elections?
– That decision must be made when we know the outcome of the elections. Our top priority must be to ensure our influence in the Riksdag and in municipal and regional councils across the country. We must form a more offensive opinion and cannot sit in government at any cost.
Where does the border go for you?
– There are limits. But knowing in advance what different scenarios can occur and where the limits go is difficult to know. I know this from experience because I have been involved in those kinds of decisions. For me, it is not an option for Sweden to say yes to the expansion of the Preem oil refinery.
Photo: Nicklas Thegerström
Annika Hirvonen has been the representative of the Green Party on the Migration Committee since last spring. When the Social Democrats entered into negotiations with the old alliance parties to, among other things, discuss a kind of target for receiving asylum, the environmentalists fought back. Isabella Lövin threatened to unleash a government crisis if the Social Democrats went ahead.
On Tuesday, the Migration Commission will present its report to the government. After that, the ruling parties must agree on what proposals to proceed with. Next summer the temporary law expires and new legislation will take effect.
Would it be relevant to leave the government because of the immigration issue?
– Yes, we were prepared to do that. I really hope and work so that we don’t have to ask that question. Those who would ultimately suffer the consequences are some of the most vulnerable people in Sweden, he says.
Nomination period for the position of spokesperson runs until September 29. Last week, both Minister for Gender Equality Åsa Lindhagen and MP Rebecka Le Moine announced that they were interested in the position. EU MP Alice Bah Kuhnke and Culture Minister Amanda Lind, both internally nominated as possible successors, have previously said no.
