Kindberg Batra retains salary despite dismissal as Governor of Stockholm County

Anna Kindberg Batra, the recently removed Governor of Stockholm County, has not had her new job assignments disclosed. Despite her dismissal, she will continue to receive her monthly salary of approximately 120,000 SEK until her term ends in February 2029. Civil Minister Erik Slottner emphasized the importance of utilizing her time effectively during her employment.

Kindberg Batra is not alone in her early removal from a governmental position. Currently, five former agency directors facing similar transitions are working in what has been termed the “elephant graveyard” at the Government Offices. According to Göran Sundström, a political science professor at Stockholm University, agency directors have the weakest protection in their roles but enjoy strong employment rights. He stressed the need for directors with integrity who can operate independently and safeguard citizens from abuse of power.

While no director has been entirely dismissed, significant turnover occurs when governments seek a new direction for agencies. Many displaced executives have committed no wrongdoing, suggesting the need for some level of job security to attract qualified leaders.

Göran Sundström criticized the lack of legal review concerning Kindberg Batra’s actions, especially after the Parliamentary Ombudsman raised serious concerns about her recruitment practices, which allegedly violated the constitutional requirement for impartiality. Despite the critiques, no plans have been made to forward her case to the State Responsibility Board to assess potential grounds for termination.

The government has appointed Claes Lindgren as acting governor during this transitional period.