Sweden is shocked by the different declarations of the highest national defence officials. There is an appeal in the media for citizens to prepare themselves mentally for the anticipation of war with Russia.
Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister of civilian Defence, and Gen. Micael Byden, Chief Military Commander, issued harsh messages that caused anxiety and allegations of panic sowing. According to the BBC report, Bohlin stated at a defensive conference that "the war may erupt in Sweden". This alarming message was later confirmed by Gen. Micael Byden, who stressed the request to psychologically prepare all Swedes for a possible conflict.
"Many have said this before me, but let me do it officially and with all the clarity: in Sweden there could be a war," said the Minister of civilian Defence at the Folk och Försvar yearly defence conference. "All Swedes must act now to guarantee the country's resilience to war".
He asked the local authorities to appoint shelter sites, as well as workers and employers, to establish procedures in the event of the outbreak of war. He besides called on citizens to prepare themselves for a possible conflict.
🗣️ Swedish Minister of civilian Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, officially established that there is simply a real hazard of war breaking out in the country 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/4GdhZx9goQ
— Voice of Europe 🌍 (@V_of_Europe) January 9, 2024
Sowing Fear
The controversial language utilized by defence officials sparked a discussion on the merits of specified alarming warnings. Opposition politicians, including erstwhile Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, object to the speech of these warnings. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the safety situation, Andersson argued that "it is not that the war is just outside the door".
Concerns arose about the intellectual impact of these statements on society, especially on the younger generation. The organisation of children's rights Bris noted a crucial increase in the number of connections from youth expressing concern about the anticipation of war. Critics argue that officials, erstwhile issuing specified alarming messages, should supply information adapted to different age groups.
They had to explain.
Gen. Byden explained that the intent of his statements was not to origin panic, but to make people rethink their situation and duties. The context includes Sweden's commitment to training Ukrainian pilots and possible transportation of advanced Gripen fighters to Ukraine.
Sweden, after more than 200 years of peace, is close to joining NATO's defence alliance. There is inactive waiting for the approval of Turkey and Hungary. The warnings of the Minister of civilian Defence and the Chief Military Commander are interpreted as a call for action in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics.
