Sweden's Centre Party has urged the government to implement external management at the Rusal-owned aluminium smelter in Sundsvall, aiming to sever Moscow's control over the facility while ensuring its continued operation. Martin Odal, the party's spokesperson for economic affairs, emphasized the need for a law that would place the company under the Swedish state's management, mirroring actions taken by other European countries.
The proposal comes amid broader discussions on enhancing sanctions against Russian aluminium, as indicated by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström. While Billström refrained from detailing specific measures, he expressed the government's interest in strengthening the sanctions regime, particularly in areas related to Russian aluminium.
The Kubal plant, standing as Sweden's sole aluminium smelter, plays a critical role in the production chain for automobiles, boats, and construction materials. Currently, the facility operates under the ownership of one of the world's leading aluminium producers, controlled by Oleg Deripaska, yet remains unaffected by sanctions.
The Centre Party, a liberal faction not currently in government, holds a presence in all parliamentary committees of the Riksdag with 24 out of 349 seats. Despite securing 6.71% of the vote in the 2022 elections, recent polls show a decline in public support to 4.6%. The party's call for external management of the Kubal plant reflects growing concerns over foreign control and the broader geopolitical landscape's impact on domestic industries.
