This is the facts of an employee of the editorial office. Ystad Allenda political etiquette is liberal.
Britain’s intelligence service MI5 recently warned the country’s MPs that a suspected Chinese agent, Christina Lee, had been active in Parliament, according to reports. British media. Lee is said to have made large donations in the past to a representative of the Labor Party. Former Prime Minister Theresa May also praised her work in strengthening relations between China and Britain, according to AFP.
It is an example of how a foreign power places agents of influence directly among the highest decision makers. But it is more common to let others do the work. A foreign power could try to use legitimate resources of influence through generous economic cover. Lobbyists have relationships with decision-makers and political parties in a central position and sometimes act as advisors with direct contact with ministers or opposition parties.
These influential Swedish professionals, who often have a background as former ministers and political leaders, work closely and sometimes at the center of Sweden’s national decision-making processes. They therefore have a unique insight and access to information, not only about internal decision-making in Sweden and how to influence it, but also about the actual people behind the political titles.
As professionals, they have the legal right to attempt to shape opinion and debate according to the wishes of their clients through campaigns, personal advice, and ghostwriting of debate essays and speech scripts. So far, everything is fine, it is a normal part of a democratic society.
But what if the clients of these particular advisors aren’t really what they pretend to be? If Swedish influence advisors are manipulated and lured into service, what happens next?
In the United States, lobbyists are required to report which foreign actors they perform and from whom they receive compensation. Corresponding legislation does not exist in Sweden. What is there is old and rarely experienced.
In the absence of relevant legislation, the risks of undue influence of a foreign power on Sweden increase. Nor are there any formal requirements for influencing professionals to take them or to be able to report the implementation of measures such as background checks and risk analysis prior to undertaking sensitive tasks.
January 1, 2022 was the start of the new Psychological Defense Agency. The Authority will partly lead the work of coordinating and developing the activities of the authorities and other actors within the psychological defense framework of Sweden, and partly provide support for such activities. Will power contribute to vigilance about our lobbyists and their ability to detect attempts at manipulation against them?
This discussion is also very important and necessary in Sweden. Prior to 2022, Sweden was in a vulnerable position where politics, debate and the electorate are in many respects polarized. It’s an election year that makes Sweden more interesting – even for those who don’t want us well.
It is time to raise awareness of these issues to protect our democracy.
Peter Larsson is a risk and safety expert, who lives in Trelleborg
“Extreme tv maven. Beer fanatic. Friendly bacon fan. Communicator. Wannabe travel expert.”
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