Säpo spent millions on 'James Bond' party
Published: 27 Aug 12 10:45 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/42840/20120827/
Swedish security service Säpo has come under fire after revelations that a James Bond themed party in 2011 cost 5.3 million kronor ($802,500), a contract that was never put out to tender.
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Furthermore, Säpo erroneously asked for almost one million kronor back in value added tax (moms), a claim that the Swedish National Audit Office (Riksrevisionen) noticed in February, demanding that the security service repaid 114,500 kronor in compensation.
The head of Säpo since July this year, Anders Thornberg, explained to the paper that the James Bond party was an exception - a relief for staff members after the pressure from 2011’s terror threats, suicide bombing and a company reorganization.
“This was a unique and extraordinary time and we’d been subjected to extreme pressure. We thought that we needed a special gathering for the whole security police team,” he told the paper.
The party was organized by former Säpo head Anders Danielsson, who is now the Director General of the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket).
“I take responsibility for everything, if it’s wrong then it is wrong, and it will be sorted out in due course," he told DN.
Justice Minister Beatrice Ask has not yet commented on the revelations , but said that a spokesperson will make a statement later on Monday morning.
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I think everyone involved in these outrageous squanderings should have to reimburse the state from their own pockets or face jail for embezzlement.
Overall they can have a party and I'm all for a bit of team building/stress relieve, but you put round an internal email inviting everyone, telling them how much it will cost them individually, those who want to spend that amount of money playing James will. The rest will get on with their lives and no cost to anyone.
In my previous job, if we had an especially stressful event, ie resulting in someone getting hurt / hospitalised or epic working hours, you would all go on the pop at your own expense, wake up feeling rough, then get on with your job.
This is some kind of cultural thing in Sweden, has nothing to do with the moderate party.
See here the workers union threw a Nobel like party for 4 Million SEK to celebrate their anniversary with their members money: http://www.thelocal.se/35962/20110905/
Basically, there is a culture of getting perks from their jobs, i.e. Christmas parties etc. where people don't have to pay themselves and the cost can be written off from taxpayers (government) or shareholders (companies) money.
No surprise, really. It's a pandemic infecting politicians and business leaders, worldwide, no exception.
The Salamander Club
The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1942. The Allies didn't party until August 15th, 1945, 32 months later - after the war was over. That's 32 months of all-out warfare all around the world, Atomic Bombings, and 'reorganization' on an International scale.
The government was not billed for the parties.
Thornberg's explanation is a very lame excuse.