The Social Democrats, Sweden's largest political party, have announced their intention to repeal newly implemented regulations concerning unemployment insurance, commonly referred to as a-kassa. At a press conference, Ardalan Shekarabi, the party's spokesperson on labor market policy, expressed strong opposition to the recent changes that stipulate a reduction of unemployment benefits to 70 percent after 100 days of unemployment. Shekarabi emphasized the importance of maintaining economic security for individuals who lose their jobs, arguing that the new rules would put many at risk of poverty.

The controversial change to the unemployment insurance was enacted last autumn and has drawn significant criticism from the Social Democrats. The party perceives these restrictions as a direct threat to the livelihoods of the unemployed, asserting that the focus of policy should be on fighting unemployment rather than penalizing those who are out of work. A proposal to reverse these regulations will be formally submitted by the party in a committee initiative on Thursday, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring a safety net for citizens.

Shekarabi's statements reflect a broader concern for social welfare and the role of unemployment benefits in the context of economic transitions. By advocating for the repeal of these measures, the Social Democrats aim to solidify their position as protectors of workers' rights and economic security, highlighting the need for robust social policies that assist individuals during challenging times, rather than exacerbate their difficulties.