Lind criticises remarks but avoids choosing between Sami and mining interests

Green Party spokesperson Amanda Lind criticised what she called “grotesque statements” about the Sami during an SVT party leader interview, but said she could not give a definitive answer on whether reindeer herding or mining interests should take priority.

The United Nations has repeatedly criticised Sweden because Swedish law does not fulfil the declaration on Indigenous rights for the Sami.

The conflict concerns the interests of Sami reindeer herding and mining companies seeking rare earth metals considered important for the environment. Lind described the issue as extremely difficult, involving two legitimate national interests.

She also criticised other parties for what she called overly simplistic statements about conflicts between Sami reindeer-herding communities and the mining industry.

“I have heard parties say this year that one solution would be to remove reindeer herding’s status as a national interest. I have to say that is quite a grotesque statement,” Lind said.

However, when asked which interest should carry more weight, Lind said she could not provide a definitive answer based on the information she had.

She said politicians who had “charged ahead like bulldozers” and wanted to remove the status of reindeer herding as a national interest might be trying to find a way around the conflict.

Lind said the Green Party does not want to give the Sami an outright veto over new mines, but that Sami interests should continue to carry significant weight.