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Politics

Minister’s chopper landing scares kids

Published: 2 Jun 12 10:17 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/41208/20120602/

Without a hint of a warning a helicopter containing environmental minister Lena Ek landed on a school’s football field, causing commotion as curious students rushed onto the field to see what was going on.

The unexpected visit occurred on Örjansskolan’s football field in Rönnskär, outside Skellefteå in northern Sweden.

The school’s principal was less than happy with the minister’s lack of notice.

“Nobody at the school knew anything about this, and we’re responsible for the children’s safety. It’s a risk when something like this occurs,” said principal Göran Lundmark to local newspaper Norran.

Minister Lena Ek was late for her visit to Boliden’s smeltery in Rönnskär, hence the unusual choice of landing.

“It was a last-minute solution with very short notice. I’ve spoken to the school, and we agreed that it was unfortunate that we didn’t inform them of our decision,” Ann Lundholm, press officer at the Rönnskär plant.

Boliden directed Lena Ek’s helicopter to the school as a landing spot, according to the environmental ministry’s Madeleine van der Veer.

Van der Veer was on the helicopter, and apologised for the commotion caused by the landing.

“We’re very sorry if we caused anyone to worry at the school, and we apologise for that,” she said to news agency TT.

Lena Ek was heading from a visit at LKAB’s mine in Kiruna when she landed in Rönnskär. In Rönnskär she participated at the opening of a new recycling plant.

TT/The Local/cg (news@thelocal.se)

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12:51 June 2, 2012 by Borilla
Aside from the worry caused to the school, what is the minister doing on a helicopter? It poisons the atmosphere and damages the flora and fauna. Why isn't she in an automobile? Just another pol lined up at the trough. She is obviously too important to travel like an ordinary member of the public.
13:53 June 2, 2012 by gpafledthis
What a school for retards ?? Every "chopper" I know advertises it's presence way in advance !!
17:17 June 2, 2012 by johan rebel
Indeed, traveling by helicoper is just about the most envrinomentally unfriendly way imaginable. This Van der Veer character might start by apologizing for that.
17:54 June 2, 2012 by BenC30
Does 'Environmental Minister' and 'Helicopter' go together well? I think not.
19:03 June 2, 2012 by blue2012
Another politico who thinks she is that important.
15:27 June 3, 2012 by Bender B Rodriquez
@Borilla: It is a 6 hour car ride and she was late for the opening of a new plant.
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