Swedish government rejects calls for special inquiry into Lundsberg boarding school

The Swedish government will not launch a dedicated investigation into Lundsberg boarding school, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Friday, following allegations of racism, hazing, and violence at the elite institution.

Speaking in Borås, Kristersson dismissed demands from opposition parties for direct government intervention, stating that existing oversight bodies must handle the case. “Every individual school facing criticism must be treated by the same principles,” he told public broadcaster SVT. “The government should not involve itself in this.”

The prime minister’s comments come after the Left Party called for Lundsberg’s closure and the Social Democrats urged the government to task the Schools Inspectorate with examining misconduct at the school and similar boarding institutions. Kristersson instead deferred to the justice system and education authorities.

“Law enforcement must address any criminal allegations, while the Schools Inspectorate and the National Agency for Education are responsible for ensuring schools comply with regulations,” he said. “If they fail, there will be consequences—and there are.”

The debate intensified after SVT’s documentary *The Heirs* featured testimonies from students, former staff, and parents describing systemic hazing, racism, and violence at the Värmland-based school. Critics of the program have argued it presented a one-sided account, including unchallenged claims from a family whose son—a former Lundsberg student—was convicted of assault on campus.

When asked about the documentary’s findings, Kristersson declined to comment. “I will not share personal views on individual schools, let alone specific criminal allegations,” he said.