Swedish government pledges four new bus drivers after election if re-elected

The Swedish government announced on Tuesday a temporary 50% reduction in monthly public transport pass prices, a move opposition parties dismissed as electioneering amid the Hormuz Strait energy crisis, national broadcaster SVT reports.

Speaking during a press conference at a bus depot in Gustavsberg, Energy Minister Ebba Busch of the Christian Democrats (KD) defended the policy while testing a bus herself. When asked if she might consider a career change to bus driving after September’s election, Busch replied, *“Depending on how the election goes, we’ll have four new bus drivers.”*

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson rejected accusations that the transport subsidy was politically motivated, calling such claims *“incredibly cynical.”* He argued that rising fuel and energy costs—driven by the Middle East conflict—were forcing government action, not electoral timing.

Busch later acknowledged the severity of the energy crisis, calling it *“the worst we’ve ever seen,”* but added that demonstrating unity within the ruling coalition remained critical. *“I think it’s important for people worried about the future to see a government alternative that works well together and can agree on tough issues,”* she said.

With polls showing the governing coalition trailing, Busch framed the final stretch before the September vote as a sprint. *“I’m used to being behind and then surging ahead,”* she said. *“My party is in a strong position, and I’m in good form. Our job now is to sprint for the whole team.”*

Opposition parties, including the Social Democrats and Left Party, have criticised the transport subsidy as short-term *“pork-barrel politics,”* while Värmland region officials called the timing *“last-minute”* but welcomed the price cut.