Sweden Unveils $8.5B Election-Year Budget with Tax Cuts and Military Boost

Monday, September 22, 2025

SAEDNEWS: Sweden's 2026 budget will inject about 80 billion crowns ($8.50 billion) into the economy, the government said on Monday, with the right-wing coalition hoping to speed up sluggish growth ahead of a general election next September.

Sweden Unveils $8.5B Election-Year Budget with Tax Cuts and Military Boost

Sweden’s government has rolled out its most expansive budget since the pandemic, aiming to put more money directly into citizens’ pockets while strengthening the country’s long-term resilience.

“The strength of Sweden's state finances is now being used to ensure that hard-working people get more money in their wallets,” the government said in a statement, adding that the move could restore confidence and end the recession.

The budget includes tax cuts for workers, pensioners, and companies, a lower VAT on food, and expanded defense spending. More funds are also allocated to schools, healthcare, civil defense, and housing allowances for low-income families.

While many measures had been flagged earlier, the final package underscores Sweden’s unique fiscal position. Unlike other EU economies weighed down by high debt, Sweden maintains a government debt of around 32% of GDP, compared with nearly 90% across Europe.

Even with plans to boost defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and borrow 220 billion crowns to fund new nuclear power plants, Sweden’s debt is expected to stay below 35% of GDP—a signal of fiscal strength in uncertain times.