Under the directive of the Swedish government, historian and writer Lars Treqord presented a draft of the new cultural law – a list of 100 significant achievements in literature, theater, cinema, music, religion, economy, and inventions.
AZERTAC reports that the list included both classic works and symbols of modern Sweden: "Pippi Longstocking," the Stockholm City Hall, the 1766 Freedom of the Press Act, the Gustav Vasa Bible, IKEA, the Nobel Prize, and paternity leave.
Work on the law began in 2023. According to the government's plan, the document should make Swedish culture more accessible and strengthen common directions in society. One of the selection criteria was that the works had to have been created at least 50 years ago. The report proposes the use of the law in school curricula, educational materials, and courses for newcomers.
The draft has sparked heated debates. Social Democrats, centrists, and the "Greens" believe that the government is spending its energy on matters that are essentially unimportant. In their opinion, instead of compiling lists, support should be given to museums, theaters, student unions, and the educational system.
"Culture law is created not by the state, but by people every day. This is a clear example of political snobbery," said representatives of the "Greens."
Additional tension arose after televised debates on the "Aktuellt" program involving the Social Democrats’ representative on cultural policy, the Kurdish-speaking Laven Redar, and the culture minister Parisa Lilyestrand, who came from Iran as a child.
Jessica Stegrud, a deputy from the "Sweden Democrats," wrote on X that it is characteristic that a Swedish Kurd and a Persian are debating Sweden’s cultural law.
This statement caused wide resonance. P. Lilyestrand responded that Sweden is her only home and that being culture minister is a great honor for her. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson demanded an explanation from C. Stegrud: "Does she think Parisa should not participate in the debate because of her origin? Let her say so openly."
The leader of the Social Democrats, Magdalena Andersson, criticized the Prime Minister for his moderate position, noting that the "Sweden Democrats" actually do not recognize foreign-born politicians as Swedes.
Stegrud later said that her words were misinterpreted and refused to respond to further criticism.
