Swedish News, March 31:

Another 34 deaths in Sweden. The unemployment rate rises this year. Expected recovery this fall. Increased confidence in Stefan Löfven. More funds for vocational training 

  • Another 34 deaths in Sweden
    To date, 180 people have died of COVID-19 in Sweden, according to latest figures. This is an increase of 34 people since yesterday. “What we know today is that there are 180 deceased in Sweden. About 4,435 cases have been reported, 407 in the past 24 hours, and 358 are being treated at intensive care units," according to Deputy State Epidemiologist Anders Wallensten at the Public Health Authority.

  • Rising unemployment rate
    In a new economic assessment in the wake of the corona crisis, the government forecasts that unemployment will rise to nine percent this year. At the same time, Swedish GDP is expected to fall by four percent, roughly as much as during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. In addition to reduced demand, the economy is affected by supply chain disruptions. The forecast will be the foundation of the spring budget proposal, which will be presented April 15.

  • Expected recovery this fall
    The government's latest forecast shows the fall in a single quarter is larger than during the financial crisis, but the recovery is happening faster than during the financial crisis, Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson said. She expects a recovery already in the autumn and that Sweden will be back to growth in 2021. Next year, the GDP is expected to bounce up significantly with a 3.5 percent increase.

  • Increased confidence in Stefan Löfven
    Confidence in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and the government as a whole has increased during the corona crisis, according to the latest Novus survey. In one month, those who have fairly or much confidence in Löfven have increased by 18 percentage points, from 26 percent in February to 44 percent in March.

  • More funds for vocational training
    Slots on the country's vocational educations will be increased and the government will absorb a larger part of the funding. The investment is part of the crisis package presented by the government and cooperating parties on March 30. Post-high school adult education through folkhögskolor and educational associations will also be part of the program.