Yes to the expenditure limits and revenues in the 2026 Budget Bill

The Riksdag voted in favour of the expenditure limits and revenue estimates in the Government’s Budget Bill for 2026. Expenditure is estimated to amount to SEK 1,542 billion and revenue to SEK 1,375 billion. This will mean a deficit of SEK 167 billion in the central government budget for 2026. 

The Riksdag also voted in favour of the central government expenditure ceiling, of replacing the current surplus target with a balance target as of 2027, and of proposals on rules regarding taxes and charges, including:

• a reinforcement of the earned income tax credit, higher basic income tax allowance and reduced tax on sickness and activity compensation;
• a higher price ceiling for deductions for certain kinds of travel;
• reduced special income tax for non-residents;
• a basic deduction for the risk tax and an increase of the tax rate;
• simpler and better tax regulations for partners in closed companies;
• a tax deduction for gifts from legal persons to non-profit activities;
• increased property tax for wind turbines;
• reduced energy tax on electricity;
• extended temporarily reduced tax on agricultural diesel;
• abolished vehicle tax and trailer tax for certain trailers;
• a modernised tax system for gases.

All of the amendments will come into force on 1 January 2026, with the exception of the modernised tax system for gases which will come into force on 1 July 2026 and abolished vehicle tax for certain trailers which will come into force on 1 February 2026.

The Riksdag also voted in favour of the Government’s proposed direction for economic policy and budget policy.

The policies should focus on supporting the economy of hard-working people in order to end the protracted economic downturn and promote recovery. A benefit reform will make it more worthwhile to work. Conditions for companies will be improved. Resources for schools are to increase, crime will continue to be fought and waiting times for healthcare cut. Military defence will be strengthened as will support to Ukraine. 

Fossil fuels will be phased out and Sweden will have net-zero emissions by 2045.

Financial policy will be expansionary in 2026 in order to prevent the economic downturn from leading to long-term consequences for the Swedish economy. With stable central government finances and a low level of national debt, Sweden stands strong and will therefore be able to implement measures that strengthen Sweden and the economy of Swedish households, and therefore reverse the economic downturn.

The Riksdag’s decision on the expenditure limits for the central government budget will guide the next stage when it decides on the appropriations for the budget’s 27 expenditure areas.