STOCKHOLM (Chatnewstv.com) — Sweden’s Minister for Employment and Integration, Mats Persson, announced Thursday he is stepping down from his post, citing the recent leadership change within the Liberal Party as the right moment to allow the new party head to form her own team.
“I am proud to have helped reinstate the work-first principle in Sweden,” Persson said in a statement. “I am also proud that during my time in Government we have taken a clear stance on the fundamental values of our liberal democracy and that we have renewed our focus on the country’s extensive social exclusion issues.”
Persson, who has served in various capacities including as Minister for Education, emphasized that his decision comes “well in advance of the elections to the Riksdag” to ensure a smooth transition.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thanked Persson for his service, highlighting his contributions across multiple portfolios.
“I would like to thank Mats Persson for his time in Government and for his important work both as Minister for Education and as Minister for Employment and Integration – particularly for his work against segregation and unemployment,” Kristersson said.
The government has not yet announced who will succeed Persson. A decision is expected in the coming days.
