Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom announced his resignation on Wednesday, effective next week when Sweden’s parliament reconvenes. The 50-year-old politician, who has been in office since October 2022, said he would be leaving politics entirely and giving up his seat in the Riksdag.
Sweden’s Shift to NATO Membership Under Billstrom’s Leadership
Kabul 24: During Billstrom’s tenure, Sweden abandoned its two centuries of military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. After 18 months of delays, Sweden’s bid finally received approval in February 2024 when Hungary gave its consent, with Turkey also lifting its objections.
Billstrom Proud of Achievements, but Undecided on Future Plans
In his resignation announcement on X, Billstrom expressed a mix of sadness and pride over his accomplishments, stating: “I am happy and very proud of everything we have achieved in these two years. First, the obvious: After a long and sometimes challenging process, Sweden is finally a member of NATO.” However, the experienced politician from the center-right Moderate party said he has not yet decided what he will do next.
Prime Minister Kristersson Praises Billstrom’s Leadership
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who formed a coalition government with Billstrom’s Moderate Party in 2022, wished the outgoing foreign minister well in his future endeavors on Facebook. Kristersson acknowledged that under Billstrom’s leadership, the government had clearly changed Sweden’s foreign policy priorities.
