Swedish Foreign Minister Announces Surprise Resignation
Tobias Billstrom, the figure behind Sweden's campaign to join NATO, has declared his retirement from politics, though he has not provided a reason for his departure. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Tobias Billstrom, who played a key role in Sweden’s NATO accession, has announced his retirement from politics and resignation as foreign minister without providing specific reasons for his decision.
At the age of 50, Billstrom was elected to the Swedish parliament in 2002 and became foreign minister in 2022.
On Wednesday, he shared on X that he informed Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of his decision “with a mixture of sadness and pride.” He stated, “I will now completely leave politics,” adding that he would also vacate his seat in the Riksdag. Billstrom mentioned that his future plans remain uncertain but noted, “I am also leaving my seat in the Riksdag. What I will do next is still open,” emphasizing that he is “only 50 years old” and can still make an impact “in other contexts.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Billstrom highlighted Sweden's historic shift from a 200-year policy of neutrality to joining NATO, describing it as “after a long and sometimes challenging process.” He underscored Stockholm’s current role as part of “the core of the countries that support Ukraine” and oppose “Russian expansionism.”
Billstrom expressed gratitude to Kristersson for the opportunity to serve as foreign minister and for his previous leadership of the Moderate Party’s parliamentary faction.
Reports in Swedish media suggested that Billstrom's resignation came unexpectedly, with outlets such as Expressen and Aftonbladet indicating a potential “rift” between him and the prime minister. Possible triggers cited in the reports included Kristersson’s hiring of a foreign policy adviser and disagreements over Sweden’s stance on the Gaza situation, with the prime minister advocating “a more Israel-friendly line.”
In response to these claims, Billstrom's spokeswoman Anna Erhardt stated that “Tobias Billstrom has had a very close and good collaboration with the prime minister.” Similarly, Kristersson’s press secretary Siri Steijer refuted the reports, declaring there is “no conflict” behind Billstrom’s departure.
Before becoming foreign minister, Billstrom served as the first deputy Speaker of the Riksdag from 2014 to 2017 and held cabinet positions as Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy and Minister for Employment.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
At the age of 50, Billstrom was elected to the Swedish parliament in 2002 and became foreign minister in 2022.
On Wednesday, he shared on X that he informed Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of his decision “with a mixture of sadness and pride.” He stated, “I will now completely leave politics,” adding that he would also vacate his seat in the Riksdag. Billstrom mentioned that his future plans remain uncertain but noted, “I am also leaving my seat in the Riksdag. What I will do next is still open,” emphasizing that he is “only 50 years old” and can still make an impact “in other contexts.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Billstrom highlighted Sweden's historic shift from a 200-year policy of neutrality to joining NATO, describing it as “after a long and sometimes challenging process.” He underscored Stockholm’s current role as part of “the core of the countries that support Ukraine” and oppose “Russian expansionism.”
Billstrom expressed gratitude to Kristersson for the opportunity to serve as foreign minister and for his previous leadership of the Moderate Party’s parliamentary faction.
Reports in Swedish media suggested that Billstrom's resignation came unexpectedly, with outlets such as Expressen and Aftonbladet indicating a potential “rift” between him and the prime minister. Possible triggers cited in the reports included Kristersson’s hiring of a foreign policy adviser and disagreements over Sweden’s stance on the Gaza situation, with the prime minister advocating “a more Israel-friendly line.”
In response to these claims, Billstrom's spokeswoman Anna Erhardt stated that “Tobias Billstrom has had a very close and good collaboration with the prime minister.” Similarly, Kristersson’s press secretary Siri Steijer refuted the reports, declaring there is “no conflict” behind Billstrom’s departure.
Before becoming foreign minister, Billstrom served as the first deputy Speaker of the Riksdag from 2014 to 2017 and held cabinet positions as Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy and Minister for Employment.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
