Have your say: Should Sweden subsidize interpreters for non-native speakers?

Sweden's opposition leader this week called for limits on free interpreters for non-native speakers when dealing with healthcare services and government authorities. Currently, these institutions are legally required to hire interpreters when needed.
The proposals put forward by the Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson would mean that permanent residents of Sweden would lose this right to an interpreter, except in special circumstances such as legal trials. He argues that Swedish language skills should be a requirement for both permanent residency and citizenship.
This divided opinion among The Local readers on social media, and we'd like to hear what you think. Have you used interpreters at the doctor or while in contact with a government authority? Do you think this service should remain available, or should it be limited to promote the importance of Swedish?
Have your say in the form below, and we will feature your thoughts in an upcoming article.
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The proposals put forward by the Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson would mean that permanent residents of Sweden would lose this right to an interpreter, except in special circumstances such as legal trials. He argues that Swedish language skills should be a requirement for both permanent residency and citizenship.
This divided opinion among The Local readers on social media, and we'd like to hear what you think. Have you used interpreters at the doctor or while in contact with a government authority? Do you think this service should remain available, or should it be limited to promote the importance of Swedish?
Have your say in the form below, and we will feature your thoughts in an upcoming article.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
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