A Spring Snowstorm Hits Sweden
The Swedish government faced severe criticism on Wednesday after heavy snowfall caused traffic chaos in the southern part of the country, leaving drivers stranded for over 10 hours.
Traffic came to a standstill on many major highways, leading to hundreds of motorists being trapped. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlsson left a European Union meeting in Brussels to return to his country due to the emergency situation.
Speaking at a late Wednesday press conference, Carlsson stated that traffic on most roads had returned to normal. However, he emphasized that drivers of cars and trucks without suitable winter tires should not venture onto the roads.
Due to the spring-like weather, many drivers opted for summer tires instead of winter ones.
The minister mentioned that many road closures were caused by trucks coming to a halt, but he acknowledged the possibility of improving road maintenance.
Some truck drivers dismissed the government’s justifications, which were criticized by opposition politicians.
Lena Hallengren, leader of the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party, said in a social media post that the government had “vanished” as it did when heavy snowfall hit Sweden in January. She questioned, “Is the entire government on Easter vacation?”
