Stockholm shifts services from private to public control
Stockholm Region and local municipalities are taking back control of ambulance services, home care and bus routes from private operators. Political scientists say this reversal of privatization could become a major election issue as voters demand better public services.
Stockholm Region is taking ambulance services back under public control. Home care in Järfälla municipality and bus services in Sigtuna and Upplands Väsby are also returning to public management. These services were previously operated by private companies.
Jon Nyhlén, a political scientist at Stockholm University, said this could become a hot election issue. The current majority in Stockholm Region campaigned on bringing certain services back under public operation.
Ongoing problems with commuter trains have revived debate about whether Stockholm's public transport should also return to direct public operation. Several municipalities have terminated contracts with private providers recently.
This trend reflects growing public dissatisfaction with privatized essential services. Local governments appear responsive to voter concerns about service quality and accountability in critical areas like healthcare and transportation.
Stockholm Region governs healthcare and public transport for Sweden's capital area, serving over 2 million residents. Municipalities like Järfälla, Sigtuna and Upplands Väsby are suburban communities within the Stockholm metropolitan region.