Election Guide 2002 - Sweden.se

Göran Persson
My name is Göran Persson and I am 53 years
old. For just over six years now I have been
Prime Minister and Chairman of the Swedish
Social Democratic Party.
As a politician I am driven by a determination
to shape a society of liberty, equality
and solidarity.
Therefore I am proud that we have reduced
open unemployment in Sweden by half –
proud but not satisfied. There are still many
people without work and far too many who
are getting worn out at their workplaces.
I am proud that we have a school system
which is good by international standards –
proud, but not satisfied. It is unacceptable
that there should be pupils who are not receiving
the support they need so as to be
able to learn to count, read and write satisfactorily.
I am proud that we have good caring services
for the elderly and sick – proud, but not
satisfied. Too many people are having to wait
far too long for treatment, and there are not
enough personnel to look after them.
I am proud that Sweden is often mentioned
as an example in efforts to create a
better environment – proud, but not satisfied.
For we all know that air and water are
still being polluted by vehicle exhausts and
other emissions and that the future of succeeding
generations is being jeopardised.
To make a good country – Sweden –
better, therefore, we need more justice
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