Swedes in favour of joining euro: poll

Published: 19 Apr 09 17:31 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/18956/20090419/

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Swedes in favour of joining the euro zone now outnumber those against, for the first time, a new survey indicates.

The new survey from Sifo, commissioned by Sveriges Television, shows that 47 percent of Swedes would support joining the euro with 45 percent against.

Behind the figures lie both longer and shorter term reasons. The recent fall in the Swedish kronor relative to the euro has boosted support, according to Toivo Sjörén at Sifo.

"More longer term reasons are that we become used to using the euro when we are out and about in Europe," Sjörén told Sveriges Television news programme Rapport.

The survey shows that opposition to the euro is largest in the north and lowest in the south with women more negative than men.

A similar survey carried out by Synovate in November showed that 48 percent were against joining the euro while 44 percent would vote yes were a referendum held at that time.

Of all the Swedish political parties only the Liberal party supports the holding of a referendum, according to Dagens Nyheter.

TT/The Local (news@thelocal.se/08 656 6518)

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22:27 April 19, 2009 by KingArthur
IMHU, it would be stupid to join the Euro country´s.

I come from a Euro country, and i am so happy Sweden is not one of them.

The going to the Euro, has made more damage then you can imagine.
04:07 April 20, 2009 by Sebastian_R
It is about time! Gee, I travel often between the US, Denmark, Sweden and Germany and having 4 currencies in my pocket is more than annoying.

Also it is great to being able to transfer for free between the Euro countries. I know it should be free even now but my stupid bank always charges a 'currecy conversion fee'.

Don't listen to the 'nei-sayers' I have not heard one _rational_ argument against the Euro in years.
07:25 April 20, 2009 by Vince Ribeiro
I agree with "KingArthur". It does not make any sense for Sweden to further its relation with the EU. Sweden, along with the other nordic countries, has always stood out for being different and adopting a socialdemokratiska regime, in which benefits for instance are citizenship-based entitlements.

Here's where I begin with my "if statements": Only imagine if the EU starts bossing the Swedish administration around. What if sweden is then obliged privatize daycare centers? or if immigration laws become more strict? or if universities begin to charge for education?

Is the population of Sweden (including immigrants) ready to say "farväl" to their current welfare regime? I am not.
12:31 April 20, 2009 by Aminzada
I high appreciate the government if they join the Euro, as soon as possible , i had a travel to germany when i changed Swedish kronor to Euro it has just laughed me....
12:51 April 20, 2009 by Beef
Can you backup your scaremongering post with any facts or historical data?

All the things you're scared of are already in force in the UK! NO sign of the EURO there... !?!?.. Confusing post to say the least...
13:13 April 20, 2009 by Sebastian_R
@Vince Ribeiro: Well, the things you mention have to do with the EU, are mostly baseless and from waht I can see I can only encourage you to go, inform yourself and read-up on the facts. The EU as such is not as bad as the average person believes it is and it brings all of us great benefits.

Most omportantly your "arguments" (or shall I say fears?) have NOTHING to do with the Euro as a currency. All the Euro as a currency does is to be very convenient for all of us travelling and living all over Europe.

It reduces fees, does away with currency changes, allows for direct and accurate price comparrisons and helps us getting around in Europe.

It also reduces risks for us since currency fluctuations in Europe will be reduced. Example? This year your holiday in Spain will be more expensive since Sweden is not in the Euro. If Sweden was using the Euro, you would not need to worry about it.
18:17 April 20, 2009 by Essingen
It is hardly scaremongering. The euro is an incomplete experiment and at the moment it is showing considerable strain in a number of countries, not least Ireland. You can't get away from the fact that a single euro country no longer has the economic tools it had at its displosal before entry.

Time will tell.
18:33 April 20, 2009 by Bender B Rodriquez
To be honest, none of his statements had anything to to with the Euro...
18:34 April 20, 2009 by kaze
Sweden in the Euro- yep, just like with the UK that would be great.

Doing the switch over now though when the Euro is strong and others weak...? Silly, silly idea.
19:37 April 20, 2009 by voidplay
Sweden is a small country compared to say Germany and historically has managed economic crisis by carefull manipulation and reforms. If it accepts the Euro it will loose this tool and independence.

But as you see though most of the financial institutions that lost money were from th US and EU the currencies have actually appreciated because they are the defactro world money. On the contrary economic reforms or so will have to be inline with the EU and the strength of the chain is the strength of the weakest link when it comes to planning.
09:16 May 19, 2009 by whattodo?
For the convienients of the travelers, it would be nice if you saw to it to accumulate enough Euro's for your trips. I agree with "King Arthur" though, about the Euro. Also what "Essingen" has said. I believe Sweden is under pressure from the EU in many regards, especially to switch to the Euro. What this supposed greater support for the Euro is , is only a PR campaign. What Sweden really need to understand is that it is not just about adopting a covienient or modern currency. If Sweden converts to the Euro, they will realize that they have lost an great deal of independence in governing their own country, It is a huge step in EU control over Sweden, and so far, the record has been very poor in other countries.
20:41 May 19, 2009 by Essingen
Reminds me of that wonderful episode in "Yes Minister" where they illustrate how people can be made to say anything.

http://www.yes-minister.com/sounds/ypm12q1.ram
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