25/03/2007 7:26:25 pm
A Few Things. After five days of skiing, the legs are quite tired, but the head is up and running. Just a few words about some things during these past days.

The EU today celebrates 50 years. Many fine words, perhaps of limited content. The EU has undoubtedly had a very important role for economic freedom and democratic institutions over the European continent. And The Economist is right, the current situation is not a crisis. But the EU is searching for a direction - and it would betray its good effects so far if it turns out to be one of increased regulations, protectionism and subsidies.

My op-ed about the need for more freedom in the labour market in European countries - also in Slovakia - is now on the web in their weekly, Trend. Can be read here.

I had a radio debate - on P4, not P1 - last Sunday with Anne-Marie Lindgren about the future of the Swedish Social Democrats following the election of Mona Sahlin, and her inauguration speech. A good discussion under rather odd circumstances; I participated via mobile phone on the bus to Sälen...

I had an op-ed in Tidningen NU, the weekly magazine of the Swedish Liberal Party. It can be read here. There, I show why the infamous article by the Party Secretary Erik Ullenhag was not only damaging for the Liberal Party and the Government, but seriously harmful to the opportunities to do the kind of reforms that Sweden needs.

The documentary on state television about former Prime Minister Göran Persson, "Chairman Persson", has stirred the debate. Many of his former Ministers have felt the need to defend themselves against insults. The documentary is thus good, showing how Mr Persson just thinks about strategy, communication and persons - practically never policy, developments, theories or reforms.

Finally, I am scheduled to give a speech at the Cato Institute in Washington, DC, on April the 16th. The topic is: "Should the US be more like the Nordic countries?".