Johanna Alm Dahlin has raised concerns about the challenging working conditions faced by interpreters in Sweden, noting that many are feeling pressured to accept as many assignments as possible to provide the required service. This high demand leaves little time for interpreters to rest or prepare between assignments, ultimately affecting their performance and well-being. The situation is compounded by low wages, making the profession less appealing and leading to a significant drop in the number of students pursuing interpreter training, with numbers halving from 2020 to 2024.

Dahlin’s investigation highlights that regions are not receiving sufficient funding to support interpreter services adequately. The pressure on interpreting companies to keep wages low in order to win contracts further exacerbates the problem, leading to a cycle where interpreters are underpaid and overstretched. Her statements underline the urgent need for a reassessment of funding strategies and responsibilities regarding interpreter services within the Swedish government.

Consequently, Dahlin emphasizes that the state must take greater financial responsibility for interpreting services instead of leaving it solely to regional authorities. By increasing funding, it would allow for better salaries and more sustainable working conditions for interpreters, which would in turn improve the quality of service for those who rely on interpreting services. This call to action is essential for ensuring that interpreting as a profession retains its viability and attractiveness for future generations.