Sweden debates security clearance for ministers handling state secrets

Sweden’s Moderate Party has proposed introducing security checks for cabinet ministers amid growing concerns over the country’s security environment, Sweden Herald reports.

“There is a lot of sensitive information handled, not least in the government,” Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) said.

Under current rules, ministers are exempt from the security checks required before employment in institutions such as the Government Offices. The Moderates argue that this exemption should eventually be removed from Swedish law.

“There are very good reasons for this in principle and democratically. You don't want a government to be able to direct the security apparatus against elected officials,” Strömmer said.

“But we believe that consideration should be given to also introducing security clearance for cabinet ministers.”

As an initial step, the Moderates propose that all political parties agree to voluntarily screen their leading candidates for government positions.

“I would like to see a dialogue between all eight parties in the Riksdag to find a common standard, for example,” Strömmer said.

By Vafa Guliyeva