The author, Vesna Prekopic, expresses outrage at the audacity of public officials who exploit loopholes and outdated regulations to secure exorbitant financial benefits after being removed from their positions due to misconduct, incompetence, or even criminal charges. Prekopic argues that this behavior demonstrates a profound lack of shame and a blatant disregard for ethical principles, especially when considering that these benefits are funded by taxpayers’ money.
Prekopic cites several recent examples of this phenomenon in Swedish politics and public administration. The first case involves Gustav Hemming, a regional council member who resigned following allegations of child molestation, and subsequently applied for generous early retirement benefits based on a 2003 regulation instead of a less lucrative 2014 version. This maneuvering allowed him to receive a significantly higher pension than he would have been entitled to under the current rules, effectively rewarding him for his transgression. Prekopic labels this as ”modern surrealism”.
The second example focuses on Susanne Ås Sivborg, former Director General of the Swedish National Land Survey, who was dismissed for deliberately concealing security breaches. Despite her dismissal, she continued to receive her full salary for two years. Thirdly, Prekopic highlights the case of Anna Kinberg Batra, a former governor who, despite being removed from her post, retained her governor’s salary until 2029 due to her continued employment at the Government Offices. Prekopic criticizes all three individuals for their apparent lack of moral compass and their willingness to exploit the system for personal gain.
Prekopic argues that the initial public outcry and media scrutiny experienced by these disgraced officials is a relatively small price to pay compared to the substantial financial rewards they ultimately receive. She acknowledges the argument that former politicians and officials require financial security while seeking new employment, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their departure. However, she vehemently opposes this rationale, emphasizing the offensiveness of a system that allows such exploitation and the disappointing lack of ethical leadership demonstrated by these individuals.
Further strengthening her argument, Prekopic references an Expressen investigation revealing that over a quarter of a billion Swedish kronor had been paid in severance packages to high-ranking officials who subsequently secured other taxpayer-funded jobs. One official quoted in the investigation admitted to accepting double compensation twice, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem and the pervasive attitude of entitlement. Prekopic concludes that while the systemic issues can potentially be addressed through policy changes, the underlying problem of greed is likely insurmountable.
Prekopic’s central argument revolves around the ethical bankruptcy of these officials and the flawed system that enables them to profit from their misconduct. She underscores the disparity between the public’s expectation of moral leadership and the reality of self-serving behavior exhibited by those in positions of power. The author’s use of specific examples, combined with her impassioned tone, serves to highlight the injustice of the current system and the urgent need for reform. Her concluding remarks suggest a deep pessimism about the inherent greed that motivates such actions, contrasting it with the more readily solvable systemic issues. This ultimately leaves the reader pondering the deeper implications of ethical responsibility within positions of power and the potential for change.
