Sweden has long been built on trust in its public sector, but what happens when the system designed to protect its citizens starts leaking money? Jens Nylander’s analyses have revealed how inefficient and wasteful projects within municipalities and the state cost billions—funds that could instead strengthen healthcare, education, and infrastructure. It’s time to learn from these mistakes and establish a Swedish D.O.G.E., an independent oversight body to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Set the Swedes free—it’s our turn to shape a sustainable and equitable future!
Nylander’s analysis tool, Ormeo, has mapped over 55 million invoices from Swedish municipalities, regions, and government agencies. The results are disheartening: vast sums are funneled into projects that deliver little to no value for citizens. Public resources are used inefficiently, and in some cases, for personal gain. Examples include:
- Procurement of subpar IT systems that are never utilized.
- Millions wasted on delayed or abandoned projects.
- Public subsidies exploited by individuals within the system.
A particularly alarming example is how Swedish municipalities sometimes pay well above market prices for services and products, without clear accountability. This pattern hits taxpayers hard and reduces resources for core services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Who Suffers from the Incompetence?
When money is wasted on inefficient projects, society's most vulnerable groups bear the brunt. Here are some examples of how this incompetence impacts different sectors:
1. Healthcare
Resource shortages in healthcare have led to longer wait times, understaffed departments, and increased risks for patients. Meanwhile, millions are spent on faulty or redundant systems, leaving the healthcare system unable to fulfill its primary mission.
2. Education
Teacher shortages and lack of resources undermine the quality of education. Instead of investing in school facilities and teaching materials, large sums are spent on bureaucracy and external consultants, leaving students and educators unsupported.
3. Infrastructure
Cost overruns and delays are more the rule than the exception in major infrastructure projects. This results in citizens paying for roads, railways, and bridges that are never completed on time—or to the promised standard.
4. Business Climate
Small business owners and entrepreneurs are negatively affected by inefficient procurement processes and rigid bureaucracy. Instead of fostering innovation and growth, they are stifled by a system that prioritizes large players and lacks flexibility.
Why Sweden Needs Its Own D.O.G.E
The concept of a Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) is gaining traction as a groundbreaking idea in governmental reform, and it is expected to come to life in the United States under Donald Trump's administration in 2025. This visionary proposal aims to create an independent oversight body tasked with streamlining government and municipal operations. By analyzing data and identifying inefficiencies, the envisioned D.O.G.E will have the potential to propose actionable changes and hold decision-makers accountable.
Sweden would greatly benefit from adopting a similar model, tailored to its unique circumstances. A Swedish D.O.G.E could:
- Audit all government and municipal expenditures in real-time.
- Identify inefficient projects and propose immediate corrective actions.
- Increase transparency by publishing analyses and reports openly for public access.
- Create a robust accountability framework where responsible parties face consequences for failures.
Although the D.O.G.E is still a concept awaiting realization in the U.S., its future establishment under Trump’s leadership could inspire Sweden and other nations to take similar steps. Such an agency would not only identify issues but also foster a cultural shift, ensuring that public funds are managed with respect, responsibility, and the highest level of efficiency.
Set the Swedes Free
The Swedish people deserve better. It’s time to break free from the inefficiency and bureaucracy holding us back and unlock resources to build a more dynamic and inclusive future. Here are some proposals for how we can achieve this:
1. Increase Transparency
All public expenditures and projects should be accessible for citizen review. Digital platforms can be used to publish details on how funds are spent, creating a direct link between citizens and decision-makers.
2. Encourage Innovation
By simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucracy, entrepreneurs and business owners can contribute solutions to societal challenges. This would also reduce reliance on inefficient procurement processes.
3. Stop the Waste
With a D.O.G.E-like agency in place, we can ensure every tax dollar is spent efficiently. Prioritizing value-driven projects over vanity projects will free up resources for real needs.
4. Build a New Social Contract
We need a new agreement between the state and citizens—a social contract where transparency, accountability, and efficiency are at the forefront.
The Time to Act Is Now
Sweden stands at a crossroads. By adopting these solutions, the country can not only address the inefficiencies Jens Nylander has highlighted but also lay the groundwork for a more transparent, effective, and citizen-focused public sector. This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about restoring trust, fostering innovation, and creating a society where everyone has a stake in the future.
The tools, knowledge, and resources are already at our disposal. Now it’s up to Sweden to take the lead and set an example for others to follow.
If we act now - the future truly is ours
By Chris...
Link: Jens Nylander
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