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.