One of a number of mishaps reported by Scandinavian media in recent weeks, Sweden’s national security advisor announced his resignation on Monday as authorities opened an investigation into his forgetfulness of confidential documents at a hotel.
Henrik Landerholm, who was appointed two years ago and whose long-standing companionship with prime minister Ulf Kristersson also left a diary behind during an exam and forgot his mobile phone at a foreign embassies, was particularly awkward given his delicate role in national security.
In what is regarded as the most critical incident, Landerholm left confidential information in a hotel meeting center’s protected in March 2023.
In a statement obtained by AFP, Landerholm stated,” I have been informed that a preliminary research has been opened into the affair with the paperwork forgotten at the lodge meeting center.”
I’ve informed the prime minister of this, and we’ve come to terms about how difficult it will be for me to carry out my job duties, which is why I’m stepping down as national security advisor.
Kristersson for days defended Landerholm’s ability to remain in his work, as the criticism called for his departure.
However, Kristersson claimed on Monday that the officers investigation had made that impossible.
” It is not possible for him to continue his work under these parameters”, he said.
” The legal operation will then run its course”.
The hotel cleaning staff discovered the documents after a colleague retrieved them, according to Sweden’s paper of reference Dagens Nyheter ( DN).
Landerholm even forgot his cell phone at the Hungarian ambassador immediately in December 2022, which Hungary was halting at the time.
Landerholm forgot a notebook at Swedish Radio ( SR ) in another incident in January 2023 after an interview with the public broadcaster.
The book was delivered by car in a plastic case to a Stockholm cafe instead of a coworker picking it up in person, according to SR.
According to the Daily Aftonbladet, Landerholm paid citizens for some of his girlfriend’s travel expenses in 2024, including business trips.
According to the government, the cost to taxpayers was approximately 9, 000 kronor ($ 823 ).
Landerholm, 61, and a childhood friend of Kristersson, has previously worked as an ambassador, chairman of Sweden’s internal military organization, director of the Swedish Defence University, and president of parliament’s military committee.
