Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch and rural affairs minister Peter Kullgren propose reviewing reindeer herding's status, reducing reindeer numbers, and no longer treating it as a national interest. The proposal, outlined in a SvD op-ed, faces sharp criticism from Sami representatives and the Green Party.
The Christian Democrats are proposing ahead of the autumn election to reduce the reindeer population and review support for reindeer herding. In an SvD op-ed, Ebba Busch and Peter Kullgren write that reindeer herding's interests weigh too heavily over large areas, often sidelining others' freedom and future. The state should reclaim responsibility for mountain land and better balance herding against jobs, energy, mining, infrastructure, and local development, Kullgren told Dagens Industri.
The party also wants reindeer herding no longer classified as a national interest, redirecting funds to Sami culture and language instead. Reindeer herding rights are often given disproportionate weight, KD argues.
Matti Blind Berg, chair of Svenska samernas riksförbund, calls the proposal regrettable, saying it favors those seeking to exploit natural resources at the expense of indigenous rights. He sees it as an attack on the rule of law, referencing the 2020 Girjas Supreme Court ruling. Jenny Wik Karlsson from the same organization describes Ebba Busch's statement as somewhat Trumpist and clear election propaganda.
Green Party spokesperson Jan Riise criticizes the proposal as polarizing, stressing that reindeer herding is central to Sami culture and protected by the constitution and international law.
