« Dangerous when the state drives over an entire municipality »

The government’s decision to review Kiruna municipality’s no to the detailed plan for Talgas planned graphite mine in Nunasvaara is historic. For the first time Since the Planning and Building Act came into force in 1987, the state has intervened and put a municipal planning process out of play. This is a serious intervention in municipal self -government and undermines confidence that transition policy takes place on legal and democratic grounds.

Kiruna Municipality, and other municipalities in Norrbotten, have for a long time taken significant responsibility for Sweden’s mineral supply. But after careful consideration, the municipality has said no to the mining project in Nunasvaara. The decision is based on an analysis of the potential consequences for local social development, the environment, reindeer husbandry and the rights of the Sami. The fact that the state now chooses to run over this decision not only undermines local democracy, but also puts environmental and social considerations on exceptions.

For the first time since the Planning and Building Act came into force in 1987, the state has intervened and put a municipal planning process out of play

There is a strong and growing opposition to the mining project, not just from residents of the Vittangio area, the Sami villages and other parts of the municipality. The Nature Conservation Association also has requested judicial review at the Supreme Administrative Court. Concerns are great about the influence of water, natural environment, health and quality of life in the area, but also that decisions are made far away, without respect for those who actually live with the consequences.

Nunasvaara is central to reindeer husbandry, an activity of crucial importance to the Sami culture. Sami representatives have criticized the project and describes the development as « green colonialism » – where climate targets are used to justify the exploitation of Sami soil, without consent. It is a strong wording, but unfortunately justified.

Decision is made far away, without respect for those who actually live with the consequences

Sweden has international law commitments to respect the Sami’s right to influence and protection of its traditional lands. These commitments must not be put out of play in the pursuit of raw materials that provide short -term financial gains and paint a « green change » that does not live up to the name. At the same time as the government is pushing for a change in the form of increased industrialization, it is at risk of creating a situation where those who already carry the heaviest burden, Sami communities and other local communities in the north, also pay the highest price.

It is important to understand that mining and other industrial projects have a high price, both for nature and for the people living there. Kiruna’s large part of Sweden’s mineral supply has meant both social and environmental costs for the municipality’s residents. Through this mineral extraction, the municipality has contributed great profits to the national economy, but these disproportionate sacrifices cannot continue.

There must be a limit to exploitation. We cannot continue to extract natural resources at the expense of local environment, reindeer husbandry, biodiversity and residents’ health. A sustainable future must be based on justice, where all societies and people, also in Norrbotten, are allowed to take part in the possibilities of transition, instead of being forced to handle its negative consequences.

The government’s actions Against Kiruna has not only aroused local resistance, but also put his finger on a major problem: that the government by reviewing municipal decisions creates a dangerous precedence where democratic decisions based on local interests can be torn up if they are perceived to stand against prevailing national interests. And it is worryingly silent from other parts of the country. If the government’s actions against Kiruna pass without reaction – what prevents the same type of intervention against other municipalities? The fact that a government is now making itself a planning authority sets a new practice, which should get warning bells to call in each municipal hall.

The fact that a government is now making itself a planning authority sets a new practice, which should get warning bells to call in each municipal hall

The question is also how this affects confidence in the political process, both at local and national level. If the residents of Kiruna cannot trust their political representatives to stand up for their interests, what happens to the confidence of the elected officials? When the government so clearly goes against the will of the people, a deep gorge is at risk between politicians and the people they are set to represent.

The green transition must be more than a rhetoric of renewable energy and durability. In order to be truly sustainable, it must be based on justice and respect for both Sami rights and the local communities that it affects. A sustainable green change, must protect the environment and ensure that no communities have to pay a disproportionately high price.

If the government forces this, they may also take full responsibility – legally, politically and morally – for the consequences

The government has made it clear that it intends to proceed despite clear resistance from the municipality. But we do not intend to contribute to legitimizing a process that is contrary to both local interests and the rights of the Sami. Sámelistu, the feminists and the Left Party in Kiruna say no to Kiruna Municipality to be forced to develop a detailed plan that is contrary to our will. We can no longer accept that the change that will benefit everyone, instead is at the expense of those who already pay too high a price.

If the government forces through this, they may also take full responsibility – legally, politically and morally – for the consequences throughout the process. We will continue to stand up for our residents, local self -government, the indigenous law and the right to shape the future of our municipality.

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