[Notes added by Gert's Royals are in italics]
Mr Speaker,
Honorable Members,
You are now starting a new parliamentary year. You are facing many important decisions. The citizens expect you to take your assignment seriously and always act in the interests of the entire Swedish people.
These are troubled times we live in.
Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine affects our entire part of the world and the EU has imposed sanctions on Russia. And we as a country support Ukraine and their right to freedom and self-determination.
Sweden is on the threshold of becoming a member of NATO. This marks the beginning of a new era in Swedish security policy.
[NATO - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance between member states. They are expected become a member later this year as only 2 more countries (Turkey and Hungary) need to vote to ratify the protocol.]
Our era also includes other major concerns:
The high inflation leads to a more difficult economic situation.
We see violence as a result of various gang conflicts. It takes place in various places around Sweden. It also affects siblings, parents and neighbours. But also schools, workplaces and companies. It is a question for our whole country.
The threat level has been raised due to the risk of terrorist acts. It requires vigilance and cooperation.
At the same time, the climate continues to be a matter of fate, for Sweden and the world.
All this places high demands on you to make well-balanced decisions for the good of the citizens.
There are many problems to solve. But with the benefit of my age, I also want to say this: We have been through difficulties before - together! If we learn from history, we have a good chance of doing the right thing moving forward.
Honorable Members,
This year we celebrate that it is 500 years since Gustav Vasa was elected king in Strängnäs. It was the beginning of our time as an independent nation.
[Gustav Vasa (AKA King Gustaf I) was the first King of the independent Sweden after the Kalmar Union. The Kalmar Union was a personal union of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark under one King. Sweden fought a war for independence and after elected Gustav as King.]
And today, exactly 50 years ago, my family and I kept vigil at the deathbed of my grandfather, King Gustaf VI Adolf. A few days later he died and I became the king of the country.
At that moment, I knew nothing about how this half century would turn out, and what I would experience as head of state. But today I can say what I felt and what I still see: that Sweden is a rich and strong country.
Our country has great natural resources, ability to transform ideas into successful businesses.
We are a nation with a lot of knowledge, talents, research and innovations.
Sweden is also a free and open country, with a strong democracy, strong values and trust in each other and our institutions.
It is something to be proud of, and which we have a shared responsibility to nurture.
Elected representatives of the people of Sweden!
I wish you strength, courage and wisdom for the coming parliamentary year.
I hereby declare the 2023/24 National Assembly open.
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