Sweden's Education Minister Simona Mohamsson failed to name all four basic laws on a TV show. MP Eva Lindh (S) has submitted a written question urging her to boost knowledge of the laws in schools. Lindh describes the blunder as embarrassing and serious.
During an appearance on SVT's "Fördomsshowen", Education Minister Simona Mohamsson named only two of Sweden's four basic laws, forgetting the instrument of government, which states that "all public power emanates from the people". SVT commentator Mats Knutson called it "embarrassing".
MP Eva Lindh (S) has submitted an official written question to the minister. "It is widely known that Sweden has four basic laws: the instrument of government, the act of succession, the freedom of the press act, and the fundamental law on freedom of expression. Does Education Minister Simona Mohamsson intend to take any measures to increase knowledge of the basic laws and their content among Swedish school pupils?", Lindh wrote.
Lindh elaborates on her criticism: "I can also forget words sometimes, and I understand she stumbled on the act of succession. But forgetting the instrument of government, which may be the most important for us, I find concerning." She adds there is underlying worry that knowledge is eroding and expectations on an education minister are higher.
Mohamsson responded via a LinkedIn post: "My memory failed me in the moment on things like Desmond Tutu, basic laws, and the Vasa ship. Embarrassing! But you know? A fine aspect of the idea of Bildung is that we are never finished with our education." Her press office referred to the post.
