Sweden’s newly appointed Health Minister, Elisabet Lann, sparked alarm on Tuesday when she collapsed during her first press conference, just hours after officially taking office.
The dramatic incident occurred in Stockholm at the opening of the new parliamentary year for 2025–2026.
Lann, a Gothenburg municipal councillor from the Christian Democratic Party, had only been announced as health minister earlier in the day following the sudden resignation of her predecessor, Acko Ankarberg Johansson, on Monday.
Flanked by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, party leader Ebba Busch, and other top officials, Lann suddenly lost her balance while addressing the press.
Witnesses said she hit her head against the lectern as she collapsed, prompting immediate panic in the room.
Security and medical personnel rushed to her side, while Busch and other officials helped stabilize her.
She was quickly escorted out for medical attention, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the press conference.
Minister Explains Collapse
Shortly after, Lann reappeared at the venue, visibly composed but acknowledging what had happened.
“This was not exactly a normal Tuesday, and this is what can happen when you have a blood sugar drop,” she told reporters.
Although she did not seem seriously injured, it remained unclear whether she received medical treatment beyond initial care.
Her collapse, however, drew widespread concern given her new role overseeing Sweden’s healthcare system at a time of mounting pressure on medical services.
Healthcare Priorities
In her brief remarks, Lann also emphasized Sweden’s urgent healthcare challenges.
She acknowledged that while the country’s medical system is “of high quality,” long waiting times continue to undermine public confidence.
“We must transition to equitable healthcare,” she said. “It is clear that we must strengthen government control. It is not worthy of a welfare state that so many people are waiting for healthcare.”
Her comments reflect growing criticism of delays in Sweden’s health sector, with patients often waiting weeks or even months for specialized treatment.
Analysts say Lann’s appointment signals an effort by the government to strengthen reform efforts and restore efficiency.
Political Fallout
The incident overshadowed what was meant to be a symbolic start for Lann as health minister.
Her predecessor, Johansson, resigned suddenly amid pressure to resolve persistent healthcare bottlenecks.
Observers now question whether Lann can carry the heavy burden of reform while managing public expectations.
For now, government officials have assured the public that the minister is recovering and will continue her duties.
But the collapse has already become a defining moment, sparking debate about whether Sweden’s health system crisis is also weighing heavily on its political leaders.