Politicians in Skellefteå municipality have sharply criticized a recruitment campaign costing 1.2 million kronor. The Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats view it as wasteful spending of tax money, while the municipal councilor defends the initiative.
Skellefteå municipality hired a PR agency for 1.2 million kronor to have podcasters promote the initiative for 'a more humane job search.' A related press release cost 25,000 kronor. The campaign had previously drawn criticism from Skattebetalarnas förening as wasteful. Local politicians have now reacted. Sweden Democrats' group leader Markku Abrahamsson calls it 'yet another example of how taxpayers' money is used irresponsibly.' The party has submitted an interpellation for the April municipal council meeting, demanding an account of the campaign's purpose and questioning if recruitment expertise already exists internally. Christian Democrats' group leader Per Boström describes the handling of funds as 'irresponsible.' Center Party's group leader Carina Sundbom is cautiously positive: 'I think it can be interesting to try new ways. It costs some money but so does other advertising.' Municipal councilor Evelina Fahlesson (S) stresses its necessity: 'Being visible in these contexts also makes us relevant so that people want to apply to us,' referring to competition from 290 other municipalities.
