Linköping thrives with green politics

More trees and more nature

Nature makes life better. It provides shade, clean air and places to rest. But today, nature is often forced to make way as the city grows. This can be seen in fewer trees, hotter playgrounds and less space for children to play. We want to change that.

Linköping should protect parks, trees, forests and waterways close to where people live. The municipality should purchase and preserve important green spaces before they disappear. Areas with especially high natural value should be protected for the long term.

Our waterways are also important to care for. The Stångån River and Tinnerbäcken stream are polluted today, but with the right measures their waters can become clean again. A city with more nature is a city where people feel better every day.

Election pledge: Plant 1,000 new trees every year.

Smaller class sizes and more adults in schools

A school system that works for every child is one of the municipality’s most important responsibilities. When children meet caring adults and learning environments that suit different needs, it becomes easier to learn and thrive. The environment in and around schools also matters. Schoolyards with greenery, shade and room for movement create better conditions for play, rest and concentration.

Preschool is a right for children, not simply a service for parents. Children in vulnerable situations or with a mother tongue other than Swedish should have the right to spend more time in preschool and after-school care.

Many pupils, especially children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDD), face school environments that are noisy and difficult to navigate. This creates stress and absenteeism. We want to change that. What works well for children with neurodevelopmental conditions usually works well for everyone. We believe in clear teaching, calm environments, smaller groups, more adults and good structure that create safety and a better learning environment for the whole class.

Teachers and school staff need reasonable working conditions. Less stress, clear responsibilities and more colleagues lead to better education and safer schools.

Election pledge: Increase staffing levels and reduce group sizes in preschools and schools.

More investment in rural areas

Rural areas are vital to the whole of Linköping. They provide the food, jobs and energy we depend on. By protecting farmland and investing in local food production, we reduce emissions and strengthen our resilience in times of crisis. More locally produced and plant-based food is good for both public health and preparedness.

One in three people in Linköping lives outside the city, yet rural communities often receive less in return despite paying the same taxes. This is reflected in weaker public transport, fewer meeting places and reduced services. We want to change that. Tax revenues should also be invested in rural areas.

We want to invest in safe roads, public transport and community spaces in the countryside. Rural businesses are important. Agriculture, food production, energy and tourism create jobs and confidence in the future. When rural areas grow, all of Linköping grows.

Election pledge: Stop the development of valuable farmland.

Easier journeys every day

Climate and nature must be priorities in every decision. Today, progress is too slow. We have the knowledge and the resources, but the political will is lacking. We want to change that. Linköping should reduce its emissions and become a municipality that leads the way.

Transport accounts for a large share of emissions. That is why we want to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport. This means cleaner air, safer streets and an easier everyday life. Less car traffic around schools and residential areas makes our streets calmer and safer.

To make it easier for more people to get around, we need to make smart priorities. Not everyone can choose to live without a car, and they should not have to. But if more journeys can be made by bicycle, on foot or by public transport, traffic congestion will decrease and it will be easier for those who truly need to use a car.

Election pledge: More express cycle routes and safer walking paths.

One public transport pass for the whole country

To make travel cheaper and easier, the Green Party wants to introduce an affordable public transport pass.

The idea is simple: a Sweden Pass (Sverigekort) that is valid on all public transport across the country, both regional and local. SEK 499 per month for adults and SEK 250 for young people, students, and pensioners.

We want the national government to fund this investment. It would significantly reduce travel costs for everyone who uses public transport in Sweden. It should be easy to get to work, visit friends and family, or travel to sports and leisure activities on the other side of town.

Election pledge: A monthly pass valid on all public transport throughout Sweden.