Sweden Prepares Caretaker Budget Stripped of Election Promises

Sweden will not see new tax cuts or benefit increases next year. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson announced a transitional budget for 2027. The caretaker budget will maintain current baseline public spending. It leaves out all recent election campaign pledges.

These missing pledges included higher child benefits and cheaper preschool. Planned tax cuts and cheaper dental care are also on hold. Proposals to scrap the sick-pay qualifying deduction will not proceed now. The minister will present the formal budget by November 12, 2026.

Coalition talks remain unresolved following the general election. Most funding allocations will simply roll over from this year. Standard adjustments for price and wage inflation will still apply. However, the Swedish Armed Forces will receive more money for military rearmament.

One minor new item was approved for royal celebrations. Crown Princess Victoria turns 50 next year. Svantesson set aside four million kronor for her birthday events. Parliamentary parties have until November 27 to propose budget amendments, according to reporting by news outlet The Local.