Sweden’s deputy PM wants to limit Sámi reindeer herding rights

Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, leader of the Christian Democrats (KD), and Minister of Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren have put forward a proposal to scale back the status of the country’s reindeer herding industry ahead of this fall’s elections, reports Sweden Herald. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Sámi representatives and the Green Party.

• ● KD argues that the interests of the reindeer industry weigh too heavily on large areas, limiting other people’s freedom and future. The party wants the state to regain responsibility for mountain lands and be able to weigh reindeer herding against jobs, energy, mining, and infrastructure.
• ● The proposal calls for reducing the size of the reindeer herd and reconsidering subsidies to the reindeer industry. KD also wants reindeer husbandry to lose its status as a national interest.
• ● The party says Sámi rights and culture should still be protected, but that funding should be redirected away from reindeer herding toward Sámi culture and language.
• ● Matti Blind Berg, chairman of the Swedish Sámi Federation, criticized the proposal, saying it benefits actors wanting to exploit natural resources in reindeer herding areas at the expense of indigenous rights. He suggested it may be an attempt to circumvent the 2020 Girjas Supreme Court ruling, which granted the Girjas Sámi village the right to decide on hunting and fishing within its borders.
• ● The Green Party also rejected the proposal, with spokesperson Jan Riise calling the portrayal of Sápmi untrue and polarizing, and arguing that reindeer husbandry is protected under Sweden’s constitution and international law.