Paulina Brandberg, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life (jämställdhet- och arbetslivsminister) and member of the Liberal Party (Liberalerna), has announced her resignation. In an interview with the news agency TT on 31 March 2025, Brandberg said her decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with her family.
“Being a government minister comes with a very high price,” she said. “I want to focus more on my family.”
Brandberg has served in the cabinet since 2022 and emphasized that no specific event triggered her resignation. However, she acknowledged the toll the position has taken on her personal life.
Key role in fight against gender-based and honour-related violence
During her tenure, Brandberg prioritized the prevention of men’s violence against women, domestic abuse, and honour-based oppression (hedersförtryck). She was instrumental in developing a 132-point action plan addressing these issues.
One of the hallmarks of her work was shifting focus toward the victims of male violence. “I am proud of the increased attention given to victims when it comes to men’s violence against women,” she said.
Her efforts have been praised across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderaterna) thanked her in an official statement: “I want to thank Paulina Brandberg for her important efforts during these years, not least in the work on men’s violence against women and honour-related violence and oppression.”
Johan Pehrson, party leader of Liberalerna, also expressed his appreciation: “I want to extend my deep thanks for her tireless work for freedom. With her background as a prosecutor and a clear liberal compass, she has pushed through vital reforms for greater gender equality and to combat honour-related violence and oppression.”
Media spotlight and personal toll
In autumn 2024, Brandberg made headlines for disclosing her phobia of bananas — a detail that received considerable public and media attention. However, she clarified that the coverage did not influence her decision:
“In general terms, of course there is a lot of focus on you personally when you’re a minister. That naturally affects the entire family. But it’s not the case that I’m resigning because of the reporting last autumn,” she told TT.
Search for successor underway
Christian Democrat (Kristdemokraterna) leader Ebba Busch noted that she appreciated Brandberg’s commitment and energy, especially their collaboration on women’s entrepreneurship and ownership. “I particularly appreciated our cooperation on women’s entrepreneurship and ownership. I wish her all the best going forward,” she wrote on X.
The government has stated that an announcement will be made shortly regarding who will take over Brandberg’s portfolio. On the same day, Liberalerna’s party secretary (partisekreterare) Jakob Olofsgård also announced his resignation, signalling a period of transition within the party’s leadership.
Brandberg’s departure marks the end of a determined ministerial career focused on justice, equality, and the rights of victims — a legacy that will shape Sweden’s gender policies moving forward.
