CIVIL Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin warned Swedes that 200 years of being a peaceful country should not lead its citizens into a false sense of security in a speech delivered during an annual security defense conference in Western Sweden earlier this week.
Bohlin urged everyone to help strengthen Sweden’s total defense system and proposed for council officials to secure refuge points as well as to create an emergency water plan and food supply.
The civil defense minister also urged private individuals to take responsibility for preparing their homes in the event of conflict and for employees to prepare themselves during difficult circumstances in their workplace.
Sweden’s military Commander-in-Chief Micael Bydén who also spoke during the conference warned all Swedes to prepare mentally for the possibility of war as the nation is just two steps away from becoming a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member.
Meanwhile, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson issued a similar warning stating an armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out.
Days after the warning, Sweden’s mental health helplines were flooded with calls from youths afraid of the prospect of war and also triggered panic buying which earned criticisms, especially from the opposition leaders.
Responding to criticisms, the civil defense minister said his primary intention was not to scare anyone but rather to promote situational awareness.
Despite the wave of criticisms, others viewed the warning as a wake-up call for Sweden.
