Mathias Knutsson

107 Days  Is more than a Memoir — It is a Reminder of What is at Stake When a former Vice President writes a memoir about the most turbulent 107 days of her political life, the words carry weight. Kamala Harris’ new book, 107 Days, is not only a personal reflection on her sprint for the presidency. It is also a mirror held up to our time: a period when democratic institutions are tested, political discourse is frayed, and trust in leadership is at risk. Harris recounts the chaos of a truncated campaign, the relentless attacks on her identity, and the difficult balance between loyalty and leadership. She offers candid insights into her strained relationship with President Biden and her refusal to be baited by Donald Trump’s insults. She writes with both conviction and vulnerability — admitting missteps, but also reminding us of the stakes when character collides with ambition and power. Yet  107 Days  is not simply about the past. It forces us to confront questions ab...

Budgets are more than numbers on a page. They are a reflection of our values, a roadmap of our priorities, and, ultimately, a statement about the kind of society we want to build together. Today’s budget announcement is significant. With SEK 80 billion in reforms, it represents both a recognition of the challenges people face in their everyday lives and a commitment to strengthen Sweden in a time of global uncertainty. Lower taxes for workers and pensioners, reduced VAT on food, and support for small businesses are measures that can offer real relief. Increased defence spending signals resolve in a world that is less stable and more demanding of our resilience. Its focus is clear: Putting more money in people’s pockets  – tax cuts for work and pensions, reduced VAT on food, lower energy taxes, and higher housing benefits for families. Strengthening the work-first principle  – welfare reforms, activity requirements, and clearer pathways from benefits to work. Investments in w...

Democracy does not begin in parliaments or council chambers. It begins in the way we speak to one another. It begins in our ability to listen, to reason together, and to find common ground even when we disagree. Lately, I have seen how easily our debates and conversations can become harder, sharper, more personal. When this happens, we risk losing sight of what matters most: not who is right or wrong in the heat of the moment, but how we, together, can build a future that is better for all. At the heart of democracy lies a simple but powerful truth:   every voice matters.   Citizens ask questions because they care. Entrepreneurs raise concerns because they see opportunities. Civil society contributes ideas because it believes in community. To answer those voices with silence, or with attacks on character rather than arguments, weakens not only the debate but the very trust on which our democracy depends. We need something better. We need a culture of debate built on three endu...

 Yesterday, the  InVästmanland  project gathered municipal representatives and regional stakeholders for a seminar on  “Successful municipal and regional investment promotion.” The seminar opened with  Francisca Herodes , consultant with extensive international experience from Business Sweden, Ramböll and Mid Sweden’s Brussels office. Her presentation  “Business Establishment and Investment Promotion”  provided an inspiring overview of global trends and their implications for local efforts. Next,  Xavier Malmros Petirfrere,  from the City of Västerås shared key success factors behind Västerås’ strong position as one of Sweden’s most attractive locations for establishment and investment. His insights sparked great interest and highlighted lessons relevant for the entire Västmanland region. The seminar concluded with  group discussions , where participants identified opportunities and challenges to further strengthen our collaborative effo...