Swedish Minister for Gender Equality faces scrutiny over unusual banana phobia

During a recent discussion, a peculiar issue surrounding the Swedish Minister for Gender Equality emerged, centering around her unusual fear of bananas. An investigation revealed that staff members have been actively ensuring bananas are removed from places where the minister conducts her business. Reports indicated that some emails from her team expressed explicit requests to eliminate bananas from her surroundings, suggesting it significantly affects her.

The Minister had previously opened up about her fear on social media, referring to it as one of the strangest phobias, stating, “I have the world’s silliest phobia of bananas.” While it’s mentioned in internal communications that her aversion may stem from a severe allergic reaction, she herself characterized it simply as a strong dislike, declining to comment on whether it’s fair to demand banana-free environments.

Following an interview regarding her fear, her press secretary later clarified that the minister is in fact seeking professional help to manage her phobia.

Interestingly, she is not alone in this peculiar fear. A fellow politician expressed solidarity on social media, revealing that she shares a similar aversion. Despite their challenging debates over workplace conditions, they united over this common “enemy.”

A psychologist commented that while banana phobias are uncommon, they fall under the category of “specific phobias” and are treatable. The minister was invited to appear on a talk show to discuss her experiences but declined the offer.