Maud Olofsson’s answer to Vladimir Antonov
July 12, 2011 in News
TTELA (original article here) In a written letter that TTELA has taken part of, Maud Olofsson has now answered Vladimir Antonovs letter. Here is a quotation of the letter sent from Maud Olofsson:
I appreciate your commitment to Saab. As you are well aware of, the Swedish government has put a lot of effort and engagement into the automotive industry. We have done so because this industry is important for Sweden. During the years it has been a source of jobs and growth. We are many who find pride in Swedish cars.
It was the awareness of how important this industry and its know-how is to our country’s economy that made the Swedish government act so resolute when the financial crisis struck in the fall of 2008. As the first country in Europe we launched a special automotive package. In total SEK 28 billion was set aside. This package, through the state guarantee for an EIB loan, made it possible for Spyker to close the deal with General Motors and take over Saab Automobile.
A lot has happened since but Saab still faces challenges. I know that the management in Saab work day and night to find new short- and long term solutions. In most cases these solutions do not include the involvement of the Swedish government, but when they have done so we have been keen to act.
No one should hesitate on the fact that I and the Swedish government are committed to the Swedish automotive industry and that we share your engagement in Saab. I dare say that I have given no other company my time and attention to the same extent as Saab during my time as Minister.
As you have noticed, I will resign from my role as leader of the Centre Party this autumn. Regarding my future as Minister, that is a decision for the next party leader to take. I have made clear that I am prepared and willing to continue.
Regardless of who will hold the position as Minister for Enterprise and Energy, I can guarantee you that it will be a person who will give their full attention to their mission. That includes giving political support to the Swedish automotive industry and Saab.
Yours sincerely,
Maud Olofsson
MK said on July 12, 2011
It sounds like a canned response.
How many times have we heard this, almost word for word?
JasonPowell said on July 12, 2011
Kind of sounds like, “now that I’m leaving, here is your response. You need to talk to the person taking my role oh and by the way, there is nobody there right now to talk to you but I’m confident that they will show you the same kind of attention I did…. none, which is more then I give to most”
Audun said on July 12, 2011
+1
Frank Wulfers said on July 12, 2011
blah blah yada yada. She isn’t saying anything at all. What was Antonov’s question again?
LarsG said on July 13, 2011
+1
SaabSouth said on July 12, 2011
Classic politician, hundreds of words to say nothing!
Carlo A said on July 12, 2011
I would have written the same as you …
SaabMan said on July 12, 2011
While frustration with this response is understandable, should we really expect anything else? I do not mean that as a condemnation (or event a comment) on Olofsson. Rather, her role is to support (and also to guide) the policy of the coalition government. Therefore, it would be completely inappropriate for her to offer any comment (or promise) that is inconsistent with the government’s position (or lack thereof). No minister should ever state any position that contradicts the Prime Minister or the government, nor should she make promises that the PM himself would not be willing to make. Ultimately, the blame has to be placed at the feet of the man at the top (and I don’t mean the King–he has his own problems). Any minister who did offer a message inconsistent with the broader position should rightly be fired immediately. Thus, this letter draws upon the very language that the government has previously issued in this regard. It’s all about offering a consistent message. Don’t get me wrong…. I think the government is wrong (and were I a Swede, I would likely be a Social Democrat and would hope for a more Saab-friendly policy), but nothing here should be surprising, unexpected, or even really disappointing, since the government’s glacially slow response has been consistent all along.
peeceepeh said on July 12, 2011
The problem does not lie with what she didn’t say in her letter, but rather with the statements she did give before, I think. However, she now has actively decided to write this letter. Was there an urgent need for it? If she just repeats what’s been said already, then why repeat it?
To me, this all too much sounds like a cleaning up letter, maybe she’s fighting for keeping her job as a minister.
Alexandros said on July 12, 2011
Maud is the kind of person that can talk for hours about the advantages of silence….
Jake said on July 12, 2011
+10
sgns said on July 12, 2011
LOL!
Let’s see how this pans out. Scary as the ride might be … the ride is what it is about
zippy said on July 12, 2011
She may have well just told him to “go forth and multiply”. Deranged woman!!
Tompa said on July 12, 2011
It’s really good to stand on the barricades shouting damnations at times like these I agree. And ofcourse Maud Olofsson needs here share of critisism. Fact is she’s juwt to ignorant to really understand what she is dealing with.
But for the love of all thing holy, could we get back to talking cars and not just wollow in negativs? It’s like we are stuck and can’t break free. Why even post leave comments under a post about rallycars when not even thinking of commenting of said thing?
I’m just as sick and tired of this whole mess. The govenment stinks for not talking in a Big way, the EIB in the same way, the factory is in a standstill since what seems like an eternity, but jezz, let it go for just a second and try to enjoy the product that we so love… Saab cars!
Everything has it’s time. But comments on posts being cut short under something regarding the love of cars is just plain silly.
I’m here for the sake of Saab, for the love of cars, the company and industry… Everything has it’s time.
Thats My view and not that of the rest of SU. I’m just tired of all the missplaced drama.
Cheers/Tom
ryanonsrc said on July 12, 2011
+1
JasonPowell said on July 12, 2011
And we love your love of Saab Tom, I’m sure your view is the view of most at SU Tom and I agree, it would be nice to focus more on the cars then the drama surrounding so many other things. Kind of sad though that when we’re not in as much of crisis mode as we were a couple of weeks ago that the amount of visitors online when I am online is drastically down….. We need to be just as passionate when things look good as we are when they look bad, let’s talk more about what we are excited to see like the 9-4X, the Indy models coming soon, the glass is more then half full now so let’s act that way.
Tripod said on July 12, 2011
I agree. When I feel a bit sad about the whole thing I look at, and listen to, things like this:
Saab 96 2-stroke singing
http://youtu.be/dXVRdSbKDT8
Do turn up the volume.
(As always, the comments on Youtube can be way off, there may be some naughty language etc., in other forums I participate in we are usually a bit careful with such, but I don’t think the comments is a problem in this one.) And I would perhaps post some more links, but then it would have to wait on moderation.
As Alexandros said, silence from some are better, but in the above case … just listen.
ThomasJ said on July 12, 2011
OK, Vladimir.
This is not really the answers to your questions, but I needed to say something before my summer holidays.
I will be back for a short periode, before my retirement.
ANA said on July 12, 2011
The woman is a joke!
dave said on July 12, 2011
Very politically correct … yet, nothing new.
Ronnie_Rad said on July 12, 2011
LOL i stopped reading right there.
Paddan said on July 13, 2011
Amazing, isn’t it, how someone can say so little with so many words. Meh.